An analysis of blinding success in a randomised controlled trial of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
; : 85-91, 2015.
Article
in English
| WPRIM (Western Pacific)
| ID: wpr-312197
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Incidental reports collected in clinical trials suggest that amongst participants, omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil ('omega-3') may be difficult to blind.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>We conducted a systematic evaluation of blinding success in a 24-week trial of omega-3 versus an oil-based placebo. Within 1 week of supplement commencement (Week 1), a blinding questionnaire was completed by 131 children enrolled in a trial of omega-3 for the treatment of disruptive behaviour disorders. A version of the questionnaire was also completed by their parents at Week 1, and by the children at the end of supplement administration (Week 24).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Participants were unable to differentiate omega-3 from placebo, and accuracy did not improve as a function of the confidence of guesses, reason for guesses, notice of any change, beliefs about what should change, or time. Child and parent guesses also showed high concordance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Taken together, these data provide strong evidence that the identity of omega-3 can be blinded to participants.</p>
Full text:
Available
Database:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Parents
/
Fatty Acids, Omega-3
/
Single-Blind Method
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
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Dietary Supplements
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Therapeutic Uses
/
Diet Therapy
Type of study:
Controlled clinical trial
Limits:
Adolescent
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Child
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Female
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Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Year:
2015
Document type:
Article