[Using the term "whiplash" has no decisive influence for the prognosis: statistical misinterpretation].
A recent thesis that received much media attention recommended that the term "whiplash" be avoided, because causal beliefs connected to this term would have a major and detrimental effect on prognosis. Indeed, Buitenhuis et al. found a larger odds ratio for the causal belief scale compared with a measure of physical disability. However, their conclusion is based on a misinterpreted logistic regression analysis including continuous variables that differed in range. After correction, disability appeared to be more important for prognosis than the whiplash causal belief scale. This statistical misinterpretation illustrates that odds ratios and relative risks are not easily understood and therefore often misinterpreted.
Bramsen
Imge
I
Hogeschool Rotterdam, Kenniskring Participatie, Arbeid & Gezondheid, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. i.bramsen@hro.nl
Roelofs
Pepijn
P
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*