Analytical study

An analytical study or etiological study is an epidemiological study in which the analysis of the study establishes relationships between the variables, association or causality. When an analytical study is considered, enough is known about the disease, so previous specific hypotheses arising from a descriptive study can be tested.

These are typical analytical studies: the cohort study, the case control study and the clinical trial.

Objectives of an analytical study

1. Prove etiological or preventive hypothesis and estimate the chronic effects on health.
2. Justify additional studies to test even more specific hypothesis.
3. Suggest potential aspects for disease prevention or health promotion.