Kathi J Kemper1, Xiaokui Mo2, Joanne Lynn2. 1. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA kathi.kemper@osumc.edu. 2. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Observational studies evaluating elective training programs may be biased if learners who enroll differ from nonenrollees. To assess self-selection bias, we compared participants who enrolled in 2 different online courses in complementary and alternative medical therapies. METHODS: Participants were recruited from entering classes in medicine, nursing, social work, and dietetics, and residencies in family medicine and pediatrics. The 2 electives were (a) herbs and dietary supplements and (b) mind-body skills training. Participants completed standardized questionnaires before training. RESULTS: The 218 participants had an average age of 28 years; 76% were trainees. There were no significant differences between enrollees in mind-body skills and herbs and dietary supplements with regard to age, gender, stress levels, mind-body training or practice, mindfulness, empathy, compassion, or resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Those who enroll in mind-body skills are not measurably different than those who enroll in herbs and dietary supplements. There is no evidence of self-selection bias or "preaching to the choir."
BACKGROUND: Observational studies evaluating elective training programs may be biased if learners who enroll differ from nonenrollees. To assess self-selection bias, we compared participants who enrolled in 2 different online courses in complementary and alternative medical therapies. METHODS:Participants were recruited from entering classes in medicine, nursing, social work, and dietetics, and residencies in family medicine and pediatrics. The 2 electives were (a) herbs and dietary supplements and (b) mind-body skills training. Participants completed standardized questionnaires before training. RESULTS: The 218 participants had an average age of 28 years; 76% were trainees. There were no significant differences between enrollees in mind-body skills and herbs and dietary supplements with regard to age, gender, stress levels, mind-body training or practice, mindfulness, empathy, compassion, or resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Those who enroll in mind-body skills are not measurably different than those who enroll in herbs and dietary supplements. There is no evidence of self-selection bias or "preaching to the choir."
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