I have a new article in the New York Times discussing lack of randomized trials for masks for source-control for COVID. In my newsletter, I discuss what this debate/debacle reveals, not just about COVID denialism, but also about our public health response.https://zeynep.substack.com/p/on-randomized-trials-and-medicine …
-
-
Ah, the Danish mask study is out. Lots of people who don't want to read it will try to make a mountain out of it but, as I wrote, it doesn't and cannot test source control—the reason for masks—and it had problems with both statistical power and compliance.https://twitter.com/NoahHaber/status/1329079700988129282 …
Show this thread -
But taken at face value, it would a great argument for increasing the quality of our own masks and for universal masking. (Because it would say cloth masks with poor compliance aren't enough to protect the wearer). Unfortunately, as authors note, too underpowered for conclusion.pic.twitter.com/ITbAJZ93ym
Show this thread -
Oh, man, it's going this now, no? No no having a confidence interval that large doesn't show "mask usage may increase the likelihood of infection." It says the study was statistically underpowered so the measurements couldn't be narrowly pinpointed. It's a CONFIDENCE INTERVAL.pic.twitter.com/N8vxKz2ABH
Show this thread -
And seriously, the reporting on this is, predictably terrible. This below is the NYT. Why this weird "both sides" framing? No, it's not just the critics that are noting these limitations. The study itself is well-written and IT'S THE AUTHORS THEMSELVES NOTING THESE LIMITATIONS.pic.twitter.com/UfAIDDngDm
Show this thread -
Look, the Danish study is weak and statistically underpowered. Too short, only measures impact of "recommending" rather than wearing masks, testing method has a false positive issue plus not measuring source-control. Okay, though. This is described in the paper. Not much to see.
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
There was a large randomized mask trial, but it failed peer review and was never published.https://twitter.com/aruby_/status/1320168613114949632 …
-
You didn't read my piece.
- Show replies
New conversation -
-
-
As ever, you're the best.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
Great read; thank you
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
biden should tap you for the task force, you communicate so effectively about this
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.