Study Setting Section
STROBE asks observational-study reports to describe the setting, locations, and relevant dates, including periods such as recruitment, exposure, follow-up, and data collection where applicable. STROBE is an observational-study reporting guideline, not a universal template. Many papers place this information inside a broader Methods section rather than under a standalone “Study Setting” heading.
A Study Setting section tells readers where and under what relevant contextual and time conditions the study took place.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
STROBE is an observational-study reporting guideline, not a universal template. Many papers place this information inside a broader Methods section rather than under a standalone “Study Setting” heading.
Further guidance
Content
Identify the setting and locations that affect interpretation, and give the relevant study periods or dates when they matter to recruitment, exposure, follow-up, or data collection.
Purpose
A Study Setting section tells readers where and under what relevant contextual and time conditions the study took place.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE): Explanation and Elaboration (opens in a new tab)PLOS Medicine / STROBE Initiative · Primary reporting-guideline evidence for observational-study setting, study size, bias, participant flow, and statistical handling including missing data and confounding.