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A confidence interval (CI) in clinical research indicates a range of values likely containing the true population parameter, expressed with a specific confidence level, such as 95%. It measures uncertainty, assesses clinical significance, and aids in decision-making by providing a more comprehensive understanding than a p-value alone. A narrow CI suggests more reliable results, while a wide CI indicates uncertainty, often due to smaller sample sizes.

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A confidence interval (CI) in clinical research indicates a range of values likely containing the true population parameter, expressed with a specific confidence level, such as 95%. It measures uncertainty, assesses clinical significance, and aids in decision-making by providing a more comprehensive understanding than a p-value alone. A narrow CI suggests more reliable results, while a wide CI indicates uncertainty, often due to smaller sample sizes.

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A confidence interval (CI) in clinical research represents a range of values

within which the true value of a population parameter (e.g., a mean,


proportion, or treatment effect) is likely to lie, based on the results of a
sample. It is typically expressed with a certain level of confidence, such as
95% or 99%.

Key Components:

1. Range of Values: The CI provides an upper and lower bound around an


estimate, such as the effect size or mean difference.

2. Confidence Level: This indicates how confident researchers are that the
interval contains the true population value. For example, a 95% CI implies
that if the study were repeated many times, 95% of the calculated intervals
would contain the true parameter.

3. Precision: A narrower CI indicates more precise estimates, often due to


larger sample sizes or less variability in the data.

Why It’s Important:

1. Uncertainty Measurement: The CI provides a way to quantify the


uncertainty associated with the sample estimate. It reflects the variability
and reliability of the results.
2. Clinical Significance: Researchers can assess the practical impact of
results. For example:

If a CI for a treatment effect excludes 0 (for differences) or 1 (for ratios), the


result is statistically significant.

A wide CI suggests uncertainty, possibly due to a small sample size, while a


narrow CI suggests more reliable results.

3. Interpretability: It provides more information than a p-value alone by


showing the range of plausible values for the effect size.

4. Decision-Making: Clinicians and policymakers use CIs to make evidence-


based decisions, weighing both statistical and clinical significance.

For example, if a study evaluating a new drug reports a 95% CI for the
reduction in blood pressure as (5 mmHg, 15 mmHg), this means there’s a
95% chance that the true reduction lies within this range. If the CI is narrow
and clinically meaningful, it strengthens confidence in the treatment's
effectiveness.

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