MATH 1065 : Quantitative Methods in Health : Statistical Analysis Report - Report Writing

Internal Code - MAS1446

Report Writing

What is ‘normal’ body temperature? A ‘normal’ body temperature of a healthy person is in the vicinity of 37 degrees Celsius, which makes this value special and important. Despite what we may have been told as children, there is however no single number that represents a ‘normal’ or healthy temperature for all people under all circumstances. What is ‘normal’ depends on various factors. In healthy adults, body temperature fluctuates throughout the day, with the lowest temperature in the morning and the highest typically around mid-afternoon. It changes when a person is hungry, sleepy or cold. There are also subjective factors, such as the way body temperature is being measured or the type of thermometer being used. The subjects for this study are adults aged 18 to 40 years. All were healthy volunteers recruited from the community for vaccine trials conducted at a medical research centre. Their oral temperatures were measured during the baseline period, prior to immunization with the vaccine being tested. Temperature measurements were taken at specific time of day by trained nursing personnel using an electronic medical thermometer. Subjects were instructed not to eat, drink or smoke for 15 minutes prior to temperature measurement. Questions : The aim of the study is to address the following questions:

•  Is 37 degrees Celsius the true population mean body temperature?
•  What body temperature could we consider as indicative of fever?
•  Is there a significant difference between males and females in ‘normal’ body temperature?

Perform the necessary statistical analyses and prepare a report where you describe your findings and draw appropriate conclusions. Specifically, perform the tasks outlined in this document and include FULL details of your working out in the Appendix. You will need to do the analysis and calculations that go in the appendix BEFORE you write your report. Read and understand this whole template before you begin.