Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Retrospective Studies

Studies used to test etiologic hypotheses in which inferences about an exposure to putative causal factors are derived from data relating to characteristics of persons under study or to events or experiences in their past. The essential feature is that some of the persons under study have the disease or outcome of interest and their characteristics are compared with those of unaffected persons.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Studies used to test etiologic hypotheses in which inferences about an exposure to putative causal factors are derived from data relating to characteristics of persons under study or to events or experiences in their past. The essential feature is that some of the persons under study have the disease or outcome of interest and their characteristics are compared with those of unaffected persons.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Retrospective Study
  • Studies, Retrospective
  • Study, Retrospective

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

IM general only; coordinate NIM with specific disease (IM); specify geographic location if pertinent

MeSH Record

History Note

67(65)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. E05.318w.372.500.500w.500
  2. E05.318w.372.500.750w.750
  3. N05.715w.360.330.500.500w.500
  4. N05.715w.360.330.500.750w.825
  5. N06.850w.520w.450.500.500w.500
  6. N06.850w.520w.450.500.750w.825

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Retrospective Studies. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D012189. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D012189
  2. Retrospective Studies. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70436236