A large trial reports p = 0.03 with 95% CI for RR being 1.02–1.08. The most accurate interpretation is:
- A Statistically significant and clinically important
- B Statistically significant but likely clinically trivial ✓
- C Not statistically significant; CI crosses 1.0
- D Type II error has occurred
Correct answer: B. Statistically significant but likely clinically trivial
Explanation
The result is statistically significant (p<0.05, CI does not include 1.0), but the RR range of 1.02–1.08 represents only a 2–8% increase in risk, which is likely clinically negligible. In large trials, trivially small effect sizes can achieve statistical significance because standard error shrinks with increasing sample size. Clinical significance must be judged by the magnitude, biological plausibility, and practical importance of the effect — not by the p-value alone.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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