A study reports a Relative Risk of 2.5 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.8–3.5 and a p-value of 0.001. Which statement is MOST accurate about this finding?
- A The association is statistically significant and the confidence interval excludes the null value ✓
- B Since p < 0.05, the result is clinically significant
- C The 95% CI means the true RR lies between 1.8–3.5 in 95% of repeated experiments
- D RR of 2.5 means the disease is 2.5 times more common in the exposed group in absolute terms
Correct answer: A. The association is statistically significant and the confidence interval excludes the null value
Explanation
A 95% CI of 1.8–3.5 excludes 1.0 (the null value for RR), confirming statistical significance, consistent with p < 0.05. The correct interpretation of the 95% CI is that in repeated sampling, 95% of such intervals would contain the true population value — not that there is 95% probability the true value lies in this specific interval. Statistical significance does not equal clinical significance.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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