Interpreting the result of a diagnostic test: An experimental study in a social network

Background Statistical literacy is an important element in informing patients and planning treatments for both clinicians and policymakers. This study aim to investigate and compare the interpretation of a diagnostic test result in medical and non-medical professionals. Methods A diagnostic test question about positive predictive value was posted on the “Stories” section of five personal Instagram accounts. The collected information included the exact calculated number, educational status (undergraduate or graduated) and field of study (dentistry, medicine, other medical, non-medical). The results were analysed using R version 3.4.4 on Microsoft Windows 10 with the Pearson χ2 test. Results Of 121 participants, 63.6% did not provide a correct answer. The highest and the lowest correct answer ratios were seen in non-medical and dentistry groups, with 52.6% and 22.2%, respectively (P = 0.09, χ2 = 6.464, df = 3). Undergraduates showed a more favourable performance than graduates with 41.8% correct answers compared to 20.0% (P = 0.03, χ2 = 4.616, df = 1). Conclusion The statistical interpretation of the medical professionals is lower than the non-medical professionals and graduates showed less favourable results compared to undergraduates. There is a need for more beneficial and continuative statistical education for medical professionals.