How to Read the Results of a Scientific Study

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How to Read the Results of a Scientific Study

Postby sirdle » Tue Feb 12, 2019 9:27 pm

Hello Jeff,

I frequently read your posts summarizing the results of scientific studies, but I'm often bewildered by the numerous abbreviations.

I was wondering if you would walk me through one of the studies so I can see just those abbreviations are.

Here is a recent example:

RESULTS:
A total of 44 551 participants were included, of whom 32 549 (73.1%) were women, with a mean (SD) age at baseline of 56.7 (7.5) years. Ultraprocessed foods accounted for a mean (SD) proportion of 14.4% (7.6%) of the weight of total food consumed, corresponding to a mean (SD) proportion of 29.1% (10.9%) of total energy intake. Ultraprocessed foods consumption was associated with younger age (45-64 years, mean [SE] proportion of food in weight, 14.50% [0.04%]; P < .001), lower income (<€1200/mo, 15.58% [0.11%]; P < .001), lower educational level (no diploma or primary school, 15.50% [0.16%]; P < .001), living alone (15.02% [0.07%]; P < .001), higher body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared; ≥30, 15.98% [0.11%]; P < .001), and lower physical activity level (15.56% [0.08%]; P < .001). A total of 602 deaths (1.4%) occurred during follow-up. After adjustment for a range of confounding factors, an increase in the proportion of ultraprocessed foods consumed was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR per 10% increment, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.27; P = .008).


SD
SE
P
HR
CI
xx % (xx %)

Thanks,
"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After Enlightenment chop wood, carry water." -- Zen proverb
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Re: How to Read the Results of a Scientific Study

Postby JeffN » Tue Feb 12, 2019 9:36 pm

There is no quick and simple answer. :)

However, that’s what the purpose of this thread is. There are several links in it that do exactly what you’re asking

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=27778#p277347

In Healtg
Jeff
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Re: How to Read the Results of a Scientific Study

Postby sirdle » Tue Feb 12, 2019 9:48 pm

Oh, thank you!

(that will keep me busy :) )

Cheers,
"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After Enlightenment chop wood, carry water." -- Zen proverb
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Re: How to Read the Results of a Scientific Study

Postby JeffN » Tue Feb 12, 2019 9:54 pm

This is from the link & will help with the abbreviations

https://sites.google.com/site/skeptical ... s-and-risk

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Re: How to Read the Results of a Scientific Study

Postby sirdle » Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:44 pm

JeffN wrote:This is from the link & will help with the abbreviations

https://sites.google.com/site/skeptical ... s-and-risk

In Health
Jeff

Excellent! That's exactly what I was looking for. 8)

Thank You!

Cheers,
"Before Enlightenment chop wood, carry water. After Enlightenment chop wood, carry water." -- Zen proverb
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