Reduced power has several implications in epidemiological research:
Increased Risk of Type II Errors: Studies with low power are more likely to miss a true effect, leading to false conclusions. Wasted Resources: Conducting studies with insufficient power can waste time, money, and other resources. Misleading Results: Low power can lead to inconsistent or contradictory findings, complicating the understanding of the relationship between exposure and outcome. Policy Implications: Inaccurate findings can lead to inappropriate public health policies and interventions.