ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: McHugh ML*
The Odds Ratio is one of several statistics used to assist clinicians determine whether to use a particular treatment in clinical practice. The Odds Ratio fits into the category of effect-size statistics because the larger size of the Odds Ratio statistic, the stronger the relationship between the treatment and the outcome. However, its interpretation is not as clear and direct as that of a correlation. The Odds Ratio is typically used when the outcome of interest is relatively rare. Most Odds Ratio calculations are set up as two by two tables. Therefore, the preferred significance statistic is the Maximum Likelihood Ratio Chi-Square. However, in some circumstances. The Fisher’s Exact Probability statistic or Pearson’s Chi-Square can also be used. As a simple statistic to calculate, it can be hand calculated in a clinic if necessary to determine the odds of a particular event for a patient at risk for that event. Interpretation of the statistic, and how the Odds Ratio table should be set up require care as misinterpretation can easily occur.
Keywords: Odds Ratio; Health; Epidemiology Studies
