Antibiotics for Malnutrition
A study was done of children from Malawi (in southeastern Africa) with severe acute malnutrition (Trehan et al. 2013). Of the 922 children randomized to receive amoxicillin in addition to food, 817 recovered.
Of the 922 children randomized to receive the placebo and food, 785 recovered. The trial was double-blind.
a. Find the percentage that survived in each group, and compare the percentages descriptively.
b. Check that the conditions are met.
c. Find a 95% confidence interval for the difference in proportions. It is plausible that the recovery rates are the same. Also state whether receiving the antibiotic treatment (and food) causes a better result than receiving the placebo (and food).