What is the primary purpose of conducting cohort studies?

The primary purpose of conducting cohort studies is to observe outcomes over time within a group. These studies track a specific population, or cohort, over a period, allowing researchers to monitor how exposure to certain risk factors or interventions influences health outcomes. By following the same group over time, researchers can identify patterns and trends, which can ultimately help in understanding the progression of diseases or the impact of various determinants on health.

Cohort studies are particularly valuable because they can provide insights into the temporal relationship between exposure and outcome, which is essential for understanding the dynamics of health and disease. Unlike experimental studies that manipulate variables to observe effects, cohort studies rely on natural variation in exposures to draw conclusions about possible associations.