Module 17: Background You’ll Need 6

  • Compare proportions using tables and segmented bar graphs

Comparing Proportions

A Swedish longitudinal study investigated the use of herbal medicine products and food supplements among the elderly. In this study, researchers asked participants aged 60–96 years whether they use at least one herbal medicine product and if they use at least one food supplement. Data on gender and whether they use at least one food supplement for 1,380 study participants are summarized in the table below.[1]

Note: In this study, participants only identified themselves as male or female.

Take food supplement? Male Female Total
Yes 52 132 184
No 524 672 1,196
Total 576 804 1,380

  1. Stjernberg, L., Berglund, J., & Halling, A. (2006). Age and gender effect on the use of herbal medicine products and food supplements among the elderly. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 24(1), 50–55. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02813130500475522