Study Design

Scientific Question: Is there an increase in systolic blood

pressure between married and never married people?

Hypothesis: We will test the hypothesis that the mean of

systolic blood pressure readings among married individuals is
different from the mean among never married in the United
States.

Significance: A systemic difference in systolic blood pressure

values of married vs. never married population may lead to a
difference in the way we screen or treat single or unmarried
people.

Team 46 1
 Approach
2013-2014 NHANES Variables:
• BPXSY1
• BPXSY2
• BPXSY3
• BPXSY4
• Calculated the mean systolic BP
• DMDMARTL
• Two groups: Married and Never Married
Statistical Test:
Conducted independent samples t-test for BPXSYMEAN split
by DMDARTL
Team 46 2
Results I – Descriptive Statistics

Team 46 3
Results II — Inferential Statistics

<State the results of the test in statistical language here>

Team 46 4
Results II — Inferential Statistics

We have a significant difference between the Married and Never Married Groups with a p<0.001
Our t value is 6.989

Team 46 5
 Conclusions
• We have a significant difference between the
Married and Never Married Groups with a p<0.001
• Application:
• further assess differences in age and gender
• Limitations:
• Cross-sectional study
• Can’t establish temporality – if increased SBP preceded
marriage or not)
• Age of individuals (age gap, relationship between age
and SBP)
• Duration of marriage

Team 46 6