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Sample Size Estimation in Prevalence Studies

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Abstract

Estimation of appropriate sample size for prevalence surveys presents many challenges, particularly when the condition is very rare or has a tendency for geographical clustering. Sample size estimate for prevalence studies is a function of expected prevalence and precision for a given level of confidence expressed by the z statistic. Choice of the appropriate values for these variables is sometimes not straight-forward. Certain other situations do not fulfil the assumptions made in the conventional equation and present a special challenge. These situations include, but are not limited to, smaller population size in relation to sample size, sampling technique or missing data. This paper discusses practical issues in sample size estimation for prevalence studies with an objective to help clinicians and healthcare researchers make more informed decisions whether reviewing or conducting such a study.

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Notes

  1. If a trait is too common, we would again run into problems, as we would now be short of ‘non-cases’. We will address this in a while.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Comprehensive Epilepsy Centre, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Ravindra Arya

  2. Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

    Belavendra Antonisamy

  3. Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Sushil Kumar

  4. MLC 2015, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, 3333 Burnet avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA

    Ravindra Arya

Authors
  1. Ravindra Arya
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  2. Belavendra Antonisamy
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  3. Sushil Kumar
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Correspondence to Ravindra Arya.

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Arya, R., Antonisamy, B. & Kumar, S. Sample Size Estimation in Prevalence Studies. Indian J Pediatr 79, 1482–1488 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0763-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0763-3

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