Question

3. A Study was conducted in order to test whether low-dose aspirin was beneficial in reducing myocardial infarction. The study population consisted of over 22,000 male physicians who were randomly assigned to either low-dose aspirin or a placebo. They followed these physicians for about five years. Of the 11,037 who took low-dose aspirin, 139 developed myocardial infarction. Of the 11,034 who were in placebo group, 239 developed myocardial infarction. A. Draw 2x2 table B. Calculate appropriate type of measure of association C. Interpret the findings

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

A. 2x2 Table:

Myocardial Infarction No Myocardial Infarction Total

Low-dose Aspirin 139 10998 11137

Placebo 239 10895 11134

Total 378 21893 22271

B. Calculation of Measure of Association:

We can use the risk ratio to measure the association between low-dose aspirin and myocardial infarction.

Risk Ratio (RR) = (Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Aspirin group) / (Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Placebo group)

Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Aspirin group = 139 / 11137 = 0.0125

Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Placebo group = 239 / 11134 = 0.0215

RR = 0.0125 / 0.0215 = 0.581

C. Interpretation of Findings:

The risk of myocardial infarction in the low-dose aspirin group (1.25%) was lower than that in the placebo group (2.15%). The risk ratio of myocardial infarction in the low-dose aspirin group compared to the placebo group was 0.581, which indicates a 41.9% reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction among individuals taking low-dose aspirin. This study provides evidence to support the use of low-dose aspirin in reducing the risk of myocardial infarction among male physicians.