A study finds p = 0.03 for an association between hypertension and stroke. The 95% confidence interval for the relative risk is 1.4 to 5.2. Which of the following statements is CORRECT?

• A There is a 97% probability that hypertension causes stroke
• B The result would not be statistically significant at α = 0.05
• C The confidence interval means the true RR is definitely between 1.4 and 5.2
• D The result is statistically significant and the null value (1.0) is excluded from the CI ✓

Explanation

A p-value less than 0.05 indicates statistical significance, and a 95% CI for relative risk that does not include 1.0 (the null value) confirms that the association is statistically significant. The CI represents the range within which we are 95% confident the true population parameter lies — it does not guarantee the true value lies within that range with certainty.

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.