Prepare a summary presenting the use of univariate and multivariate analysis in clinical studies.
As a DNP, you have been assigned to perform a database search of articles from peer-reviewed journals. To start the process, you need to explore what specific databases are available for your selected topic.
How many databases did you evaluate to select the correct one? Explain your search.
Describe the clinical topics you were looking for in your search.
Why does the chosen database meet the selection criteria?
Sample Answer
Univariate analysis involves examining a single variable at a time to describe it. In clinical studies, it is used to summarize and understand the characteristics of the study population. This type of analysis provides descriptive statistics like the mean, median, mode, and standard deviation for variables such as age, gender, or a specific lab value. The primary purpose is to get a baseline understanding of the data, which is essential before moving on to more complex analyses. For example, a univariate analysis might show that the average age of participants is 65 or that 70% of the sample is female. This simple summary helps to profile the study group.
Multivariate analysis simultaneously examines the relationships among three or more variables. In clinical research, this is crucial for understanding complex health outcomes where multiple factors interact. For example, a multivariate analysis could explore the combined effect of a patient’s age, body mass index, and smoking status on their risk of developing heart disease. This type of analysis helps to control for confounding variables, providing a more accurate understanding of cause and effect. Common techniques include multiple regression, ANOVA, and logistic regression. These methods are essential for identifying risk factors, predicting disease outcomes, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in a realistic setting where many variables are at play.