A confidence interval for an odds ratio is reported as 1.8 (95% CI: 0.9–3.6). Which conclusion is MOST appropriate?
- A There is a statistically significant association at p < 0.05
- B The result is not statistically significant, but a clinically meaningful effect cannot be excluded ✓
- C The null hypothesis is accepted and there is truly no association
- D The study has adequate power to detect a true effect
Correct answer: B. The result is not statistically significant, but a clinically meaningful effect cannot be excluded
Explanation
A 95% CI for OR that includes 1.0 (as 0.9–3.6 does) indicates the result is not statistically significant at α=0.05 since the null value of OR=1 falls within the interval. However, non-significance does not mean no effect; the upper bound of 3.6 suggests a clinically important effect remains possible. Accepting the null hypothesis (option C) is a logical error.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.