Abstract

FLORES-ALFARO, Eugenia; BURGUETE-GARCIA, Ana I.  and  SALAZAR-MARTINEZ, Eduardo. Genetic epidemiology research designs. Rev Panam Salud Publica [online]. 2012, vol.31, n.1, pp. 88-94. ISSN 1020-4989.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1020-49892012000100013.

This article describes the features of the epidemiologic research designs most commonly used in genetic association studies. Case-control studies are efficient in evaluating associations between candidate genes and disease. Cohort studies, in contrast, yield a greater degree of causality but are not efficient for the initial exploration to identify gene-disease associations. Cross-sectional studies are less expensive, require less time, and are useful for estimating the prevalence of diseases, risk factors, and genetic variants. Family-based studies have been successful in finding alleles that confer greater risk for developing Mendelian inheritance disorders.

Keywords : genetic research; epidemiologic research design; genetic association studies; relative risk (public health).