As discussed by Friis & Sellers (2020) a cohort study is an observational study that goes from cause to effect. It is a longitudinal study that follows a group of subjects over time. The exposure of a particular disease is known to be positive and how the effects of this positive exposure manifest are observed. There are two points of observation, before disease onset and then at a follow up. By doing this, a measure of effect that certain risk factors related to disease outcome. This is the best type of study for population-based studies because more measures of association can be evaluated. This is an observational study versus an experimental study because no intervention is included; the aim is to simply observe cause and effect in a certain group to determine the incidence of disease, mortality rates among this group, which then can serve as a flag for the need for more resources to prevent high numbers of untoward outcomes. Hoepner et al., (2016) participated in a cohort study that looks at the association between bisphenol A and adiposity in the inner city. Prenatal mothers had their BPA concentrations measures (n =375), children aged 3 (n=408), and children 5 years (n=518). The children in age groups 3 and 5 had their urine spot tested. The children were followed up every 3 months and followed till they were 5 years of age, and then every 6 months until 7 years of age. The mothers were followed differently during their pregnancy. They wanted to see if there was an association between higher BPA concentration before birth and adiposity. There was a positive association that high prenatal concentrations of BPA were associated with adiposity by age 7.
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