A clinical trial reports that a new drug reduces systolic BP by 3 mmHg with p = 0.001 but 95% CI of 1–5 mmHg. A physician is deciding whether to prescribe this drug. The MOST appropriate conclusion is:
- A The result is highly clinically significant because p < 0.05
- B The result is statistically significant but of questionable clinical significance ✓
- C The result is neither statistically nor clinically significant
- D The 95% CI being narrow confirms large clinical benefit
Correct answer: B. The result is statistically significant but of questionable clinical significance
Explanation
Statistical significance (p = 0.001) indicates that the observed effect is unlikely due to chance alone, but a 3 mmHg reduction in systolic BP has limited clinical significance (usually ≥10 mmHg reduction is considered clinically meaningful in hypertension). Large sample sizes can produce statistically significant results for trivially small effects. The 95% CI of 1–5 mmHg confirms the entire range represents only small changes. This distinction between statistical and clinical significance is a high-yield exam concept.
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.