I\'m writing a summary of this study and this is the methodology, I need help id
ID: 85992 • Letter: I
Question
I'm writing a summary of this study and this is the methodology, I need help identifying the independent and dependent variables.
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, phase 3, event-driven trial in Madarounfa, Niger, to assess the efficacy and safety of BRV-PV against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. A placebo-controlled design was chosen because the vaccine was not licensed or available in Niger at the time of study initiation, and data were needed to inform policy decisions in low-resource countries. After a parent or guardian provided written informed consent, healthy infants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive three doses of the vaccine or placebo at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Since rotavirus circulates We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, phase 3, event-driven trial in Madarounfa, Niger, to assess the efficacy and safety of BRV-PV against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. A placebo-controlled design was chosen because the vaccine was not licensed or available in Niger at the time of study initiation, and data were needed to inform policy decisions in low-resource countries.22,23 After a parent or guardian provided written informed consent, healthy infants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive three doses of the vaccine or placebo at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Since rotavirus circulates year-round in Niger, enrollment was continuous beginning in August 2014. Infants were eligible if they were healthy and the parents resided in villages within the catchment area of study sites and intended to remain in the area for at least 2 years.
Explanation / Answer
Whenever such an experiment is carried out, 2 groups are assigned. One is the control (not getting the treatment) and the other one is the treatment group.
Dependent variables are those factors or conditions that occur in both the control and treated groups.
Independent variables are those factors/treatment/change causing agent that brings change in the treatment groups.
In the above case, when the children are divided in 1:1 ratio, i.e one receiving vaccine and the other is receiving placebo, so these groups are dependent variables.
Whereas, placebo controlled vaccine used in the study is a independent variable.