Final answer:
The question revolves around whether using a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) in conjunction with an H2 blocker can prevent GERD. To answer this, one must calculate the risk difference between groups of patients who did and did not take PPI. The clinical decision to use PPI and H2 blockers together should be based on patient-specific factors and guided by healthcare providers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks if using a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and an H2 blocker together is beneficial for treating conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). To understand if PPI use reduces the risk for GERD, we have to calculate the risk difference based on the given data where one group used PPI and the other did not.
Here is how you calculate the risk difference:
- Risk in PPI group = (Number of GERD cases in PPI group) / (Total number of people in PPI group) = 6 / 43
- Risk in no PPI group = (Number of GERD cases in no PPI group) / (Total number of people in no PPI group) = 5 / 39
- Risk difference = Risk in PPI group - Risk in no PPI group
After calculating the risks for both groups and obtaining the risk difference, we can analyze whether taking a PPI actually reduces the risk for developing GERD. However, it's important to note that using a PPI and an H2 blocker together is a clinical decision that should be made by a healthcare provider based on individual patient needs and current guidelines.