In the PICOT acronym, what does the 'P' represent?

The 'P' in the PICOT acronym stands for "Population or problem of interest." This component focuses on defining the specific group of individuals or the issue being addressed in the research question. By clearly identifying the population, researchers can tailor the study to address relevant factors that impact the group, ensuring that the findings are applicable and meaningful to that particular demographic or health problem. This sets the foundation for the entire research process, helping to guide the development of the intervention or exposure, comparisons, and expected outcomes in the study. Understanding the population or problem of interest is essential for creating a focused and relevant research question that can lead to significant and actionable insights.