A researcher reports a statistically significant result (p = 0.04) from a trial, but the 95% CI for the relative risk is 1.02–1.38. What is the MOST important clinical interpretation?

• A The result is both statistically significant and clinically important
• B The p value of 0.04 indicates a 4% probability that the null hypothesis is true
• C Because p < 0.05 the finding should be immediately implemented in clinical practice
• D The result is statistically significant but may lack clinical importance; the CI suggests the true effect could be trivially small (RR 1.02) ✓

Explanation

Statistical significance (p < 0.05) indicates the result is unlikely due to chance alone, but the CI (1.02–1.38) spans a wide range where the lower bound (RR 1.02) represents a clinically trivial 2% increase in risk. Clinical significance must always be assessed alongside statistical significance by examining the magnitude and precision of the effect (CI width), not p value alone. A p value does not indicate the probability that the null hypothesis is true — it is the probability of obtaining results as or more extreme if the null were true.

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.