13.6 Compiling tables of numerical summary information
Here are some tips for compiling tables of numerical summary information:
- Round numbers appropriately (don’t necessarily use all decimals provided by software).
- Place captions above tables.
- In general, use no vertical lines and very few horizontal lines.
- Align numbers in the table by decimal point when possible, for easier reading.
- Ensure the table allows readers to easily make the important comparisons.
Example 13.12 (Tables for summarising data) Consider a study (Ejtahed et al. 2012) assessing the effects of probiotic and conventional yoghurt on blood glucose and antioxidant status in Type 2 diabetic patients. A randomised controlled trial (i.e., an experiment) collected data from 60 patients.
Compare the two numerical summary tables in Tables 13.6 and 13.7: Table 13.6 makes comparing the two groups easier, but Table 13.7 is the more conventional orientation (for practical purposes: fewer columns).Yoghurt | Agea | Weight (kg)a | BMIa (kg/m2) | Metformin/db | Glibenclamide/db |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conventional (n=30) | 51.0±7.3 | 75.42±11.28 | 29.14±4.30 | 2±1.25 | 1±1 |
Probiotic (n=30) | 50.9±7.7 | 76.18±10.94 | 28.95±3.65 | 2±1.25 | 2±2 |
Variable | Conventional yoghurt (n=30) | Probiotic yoghurt (n=30) |
---|---|---|
Agea | 51.00 ± 7.32 | 50.87 ± 7.68 |
Weight (kg)a | 75.42 ± 11.28 | 76.18 ± 10.94 |
BMI (kg/m2)a | 29.14 ± 4.30 | 28.95 ± 3.65 |
Metformin/db | 2 ± 1.25 | 2 ± 1.25 |
Glibenclamide/db | 1± 1 | 2 ± 2 |
References
Ejtahed HS, Mohtadi-Nia J, Homayouni-Rad A, Niafar M, Asghari-Jafarabadi M, Mofid V. Probiotic yogurt improves antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutrition. 2012;28:539–43.