Methodological issues in outcome studies of at-risk infants.
OBJECTIVE
To identify methodologic problems found in follow-up studies of infants at biologic and environmental risk and provide solutions and recommendations.


METHODS
This article is a literature review.


RESULTS
Problems fall into four groupings: (1) conceptualization/design issues, 2) subject population concerns, 3) procedural issues, and 4) measurement/outcome concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Main-effect models are not useful; confounding and mediating variables must be identified. In addition, the following are needed: alternative analytic techniques, more precise subject selection and characterization of risk factors, geographically defined samples, broadened scope of outcome measures, and use of epidemiologic techniques.
Aylward
Glen P
GP
School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL 62794-9658, USA. gaylward@siumed.edu
D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods