Definition:
A longitudinal study is a study that follows patients over an extended period of time. Some sources also define a longitudinal study as one in which the same patients are examined on two or more occasions. For example, the STEP-BD study (Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder), which followed a large number of patients for five years, was a longitudinal study. Compare a longitudinal study to a cross-sectional study.
A longitudinal study is a study that follows patients over an extended period of time. Some sources also define a longitudinal study as one in which the same patients are examined on two or more occasions. For example, the STEP-BD study (Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder), which followed a large number of patients for five years, was a longitudinal study. Compare a longitudinal study to a cross-sectional study.
Pronunciation: LAWN-ji-TOOD-in-ul
