Cross-sectional study
{{Expansion depth limit exceeded|Term=Cross-sectional study |Short definition=Crohn's disease - {{Expansion depth limit exceeded}} (crown dih-ZEEZ) condition in which the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed for a long period of time. Crohn's disease usually affects the small and large intestines. |Type=Cross-sectional study - (kros-SEC-shuh-nul STUH-dee) type of research study that observes a group of people or collects specific information at a specific point in time or over a short period of time. For example, a survey may be conducted to collect information about the total number of people in a group who have or have had a particular disease (e. g. , cancer) or risk factor (e. g. , smoking or obesity). In this example, the survey may provide some information on whether there is a link between smoking (a risk factor) and cancer (a disease), but does not prove that there is a link. The results of a cross-sectional study can be used to plan further research studies. A cross-sectional study is a type of observational (epidemiological) study {{Expansion depth limit exceeded}} }}