Populationsbezogene

Populationsbezogene is a German term used in epidemiology, public health and social sciences to describe research, data collection, or analyses that refer to a defined population rather than to a selected clinical sample. The English equivalent is population-based. The term is used for studies that aim to describe disease frequency, risk factors, outcomes, or health characteristics across an entire defined group, such as residents of a geographic area, members of a demographic group, or enrollees in a regional health plan.

Data for populationsbezogene research are often drawn from population registries, census data, administrative health records, or large cohort studies designed to cover the complete or a representative segment of the population. Designs frequently described as population-based include cross-sectional surveys conducted in a defined population, and cohort studies established from population registries that follow individuals over time. In contrast to clinic-based samples, populationsbezogene studies strive for representativeness across the target population.

Typical applications include estimation of incidence and prevalence, assessment of risk factors, evaluation of screening programs, and health services planning. They support public health decision making by providing estimates that are generalizable to the population of interest rather than to a particular patient group.

Advantages of populationsbezogene research include improved external validity and relevance for policy decisions. Limitations can include higher logistical complexity, cost, privacy concerns, and potential confounding due to heterogeneity within the population. Data quality, linkage, and follow-up can also pose challenges.