Cross-sectional study overview — Cross-sectional study

Question

Define the condition or characteristic, target population and assessment window.

Define population and period

Specify who could be sampled and whether the time window represents a point or period prevalence.

Sample

Choose the sampling frame and selection method; record inclusion probabilities, strata and clusters.

Measure exposures and outcomes

Measure exposures and outcomes with stated instruments and recall periods; do not assume simultaneous values establish temporal order.

Assess missingness

Separate people who did not participate from missing items among participants. Prespecify adjustment and sensitivity analyses.

Estimate

Estimate prevalence or associations using the design and outcome-specific denominators, with uncertainty.

Report limitations

Explain selection, measurement and temporal limitations, including the population to which findings can transfer.

Cross-sectional study overview

End flow

Protocol and decision register

Record the protocol, approvals and registration where applicable. Preserve planned decisions and amendments separately from results.

Protocol and rationale evidence

Attach the rationale and dated protocol, retaining amendments. A study registry records study details; a disease registry contains health data. The HMA–EMA Catalogue of RWD studies is one option for relevant studies. Check eligibility and applicable requirements, and record an identifier and timing if registered. Registration does not imply randomization.