Number Needed to Harm: Treatments Can Hurt You

The video discusses the risks associated with therapies, emphasizing the importance of understanding both relative and absolute risks. It explains how to calculate numbers needed to harm (NNH) and provides examples of NNT and NNH in healthcare, highlighting the importance of weighing benefits against potential harms. The video also discusses the use of antibiotics in children and the associated risks, encouraging a thoughtful approach to treatment decisions.

What is the main focus when considering the risks of a treatment?

• The duration of the treatment

• The relative risk increase

• The cost of the treatment

• The absolute risk increase

How is the absolute risk increase calculated in the given example of an antibiotic?

• By multiplying the percentages of both groups

• By subtracting the percentage of those who didn't take the drug from those who did

• By adding the percentages of both groups

• By dividing the percentage of those who took the drug by those who didn't

What does the Number Needed to Harm (NNH) represent?

• The cost of the treatment

• The number of people who will experience a side effect

• The number of people who will benefit from a treatment

• The duration of the treatment

In the context of aspirin use, what does a higher NNH compared to NNT suggest?

• The treatment is equally beneficial and harmful

• The treatment has no effect

• The treatment is more harmful than beneficial

• The treatment is more beneficial than harmful

What is the implication of a high NNT for statins in preventing heart attacks?

• The treatment has no side effects

• Most people will benefit from the treatment

• Few people will benefit from the treatment

• The treatment is very cost-effective

Why might antibiotics not be the best choice for treating ear infections in children?

• They work too slowly

• They are too expensive

• They have a high NNH for diarrhea

• They are not available

What alternative is suggested for treating pain in children with ear infections?

• Antibiotics

• Home remedies

• Surgery

• Pain medications