Cohort Studies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This chapter outlines the key components of designing and conducting cohort studies in low- and middle-income countries, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with these components. Conducting cohort studies in low- and middle-income countries provides a unique landscape for the rigorous investigation of risk factors and prevention of diseases. Given that the overwhelming majority of the worldwide mortality and morbidity happen in low- and middle-income countries and that this proportion will continue to rise with economic development of these countries, sound epidemiological investigations to understand the risk factors and prevention avenues for these populations are urgently needed. These population-specific research findings are needed for formulating developing country health policy rather than extrapolating these key decisions solely based on the findings from studies in the developed nations.