Enhancing Accuracy In Public Health Research: Effective Use Of Statistical Tools And Common Pitfalls To Avoid

Abstract

Statistical tools are fundamental in public health research for ensuring accurate data analysis and interpretation. This study assesses the use of statistical methods in 70 research papers (55 observational and 15 interventional studies) by postgraduate students from medical and nursing colleges in Baghdad, Iraq (2020-2024). While the importance of statistical rigor in health research is widely recognized, this analysis highlights common errors such as data misinterpretation, improper handling of confounding factors, and selection biases. Fifty-two of the studies encountered these issues, with inadequate use of regression analysis being a recurrent problem. This paper provides insights into common mistakes and recommends best practices for utilizing statistical tools in public health research, aiming to improve the quality of future studies and enhance health profession education.