PICOT Question: What is the evidence that PICOT questions improve patient outcomes?

Question 1 

Ratio scales will be used in this study as they tell us about the precise value between the units. Ratio scales also provide one with an absolute zero that enables researcher in applying a wide assortment of inferential and descriptive statistics (Marateb et al., 2014). The ratio scales will provide a researcher with a clear meaning of zero. Instances of variables that will be measured using ratio scales in the study include duration, height and weight. Through ratio scales, various measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion such as mode, median and mean and coefficient and standard deviation respectively can be measured.

Question 2 

The data was collected via weight management clinics meetings, which will be held for 60 minutes and weekly for the first six months and biweekly for the remaining six months. In the meetings, all participants will be weighed, and each will provide a self-reported survey on the consumptions made during the week. During each meeting, a digital scale (Befour Inc.) shall be used in obtaining the participants' weights (LeCheminant et al., 2007). A stadiometer shall be used in gathering BMI. The hip and waist circumference shall be assessed at baseline 3, 6, 9 and 12 months using a spring-loaded tape measure.

Question 3 

All statistical analysis will be carried out using Chi-Square, Wilcoxon-Mann Whitney tests and Student’s t-tests (Hu et al., 2015). This will enable the researcher to compare the baseline characteristics between the two study groups.

Question 4 

A paired-t-test was used in analyzing the data gathered from the study. This is used in comparing two means gathered from similar individuals and related units (Kim, 2015). The measurement is taken at two different periods. Pandis (2015) states that the aim of using a paired t-test is to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between two paired observations.

Question 5 

For the group consuming an increased intake of low- carbon ketogenic diet, their weight loss should be higher as compared to those who are taking a low-fat diet within the one year, study period.

Question 6 

In case the low carbon ketogenic diet produces the required outcomes in the study, there is need to advocate for the consumption of this type of diet instead of the low-fat diet to accelerate weight loss hence reducing obesity rates among people.

Question 7 

What is a ketogenic diet?

Are ketogenic diet’s long-term effects good or bad to an individual?

References

Hu, T., Yao, L., Reynolds, K., Whelton, P., Niu, T., Li, S., & Bazzano, L. (2015). The effects of a low-carbohydrate diet vs a low-fat diet on novel cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial.  Nutrients ,  7 (9), 7978-7994. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.3390/nu7095377

Kim, T. K. (2015). T-test as a parametric statistic.  Korean Journal of anesthesiology ,  68 (6), 540.

LeCheminant, J. D., Gibson, C. A., Sullivan, D. K., Hall, S., Washburn, R., Vernon, M. C., & Donnelly, J. E. (2007). Comparison of a low carbohydrate and low-fat diet for weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults enrolled in a clinical weight management program.  Nutrition Journal ,  6 (1), 36.

Marateb, H. R., Mansourian, M., Adibi, P., & Farina, D. (2014). Manipulating measurement scales in medical statistical analysis and data mining: A review of methodologies.  Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences ,  19 (1), 47.

Pandis, N. (2015). Comparison of 2 means for matched observations (paired t-test) and t-test assumptions.  American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics ,  148 (3), 515-516.