A study examining the relationship between fetal X-ray exposure and a particular type of childhood blood cancer found the following odds ratio (and 95% confidence interval) for the association: 2.44 (0.95 to 6.33). This result would likely be considered:
a. clinically significant, but statistically insignificant
b. neither clinically nor statistically significant
c. both clinically and statistically significant
d. clinically insignificant, but statistically significant
A is correct
To determine the significance of the study findings, we can interpret the odds ratio and its confidence interval.
The odds ratio of 2.44 suggests that there is a 2.44 times higher odds of developing the particular type of childhood blood cancer if exposed to fetal X-rays.
Next, we look at the 95% confidence interval, which provides a range of values within which we can be reasonably confident that the true odds ratio lies. In this case, the confidence interval is 0.95 to 6.33.
If the confidence interval includes the value of 1, then the association is considered statistically insignificant because the null hypothesis (no association between fetal X-ray exposure and childhood blood cancer) cannot be rejected. However, if the confidence interval does not include 1, then the association is considered statistically significant.
In this case, the confidence interval does not include 1 (0.95 to 6.33), so the association between fetal X-ray exposure and childhood blood cancer is statistically significant.
Now, to determine if the findings are clinically significant, we need to consider the practical implications of the odds ratio. This involves considering the magnitude of the effect in the context of the disease and its impact on treatment or prevention.
Since there is no definitive cutoff for what constitutes clinical significance, it can depend on the specific disease or condition being studied. Therefore, determining clinical significance is subjective and requires expert judgment.
Given the information provided, we cannot conclusively determine the clinical significance as it depends on additional factors that are not mentioned in the given question. Therefore, the answer would be (d) clinically insignificant, but statistically significant.