In an RCT evaluating a new antihypertensive, allocation concealment is used. The PRIMARY purpose of allocation concealment is to prevent:
- A Participants from knowing which treatment they receive
- B The outcome assessor from knowing group assignment
- C Selection bias during the randomization process ✓
- D Attrition bias from occurring post-randomization
Correct answer: C. Selection bias during the randomization process
Explanation
Allocation concealment ensures that the investigator assigning participants to groups cannot foresee the upcoming assignment, preventing selective enrollment (selection bias) before randomization is complete. Blinding, not allocation concealment, prevents participants or assessors from knowing the treatment received. Attrition bias relates to differential dropout and is addressed by intention-to-treat analysis.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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