odds The statistical calculation of the number of events as a fraction of nonevents or as a fraction of all that are theoretically possible. For instance, in the roll of a six-sided die, the odds that a specific number will roll to the top are 1 in 6.
How to cite this entry:
"odds" A Dictionary of Public Health. Ed. John M. Last, Oxford University Press, 2007. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Copenhagen University Library. 13 February 2008 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t235.e3185
odds ratio Syn: cross-products ratio. Strictly speaking, the ratio of two odds, but as used in the analysis of data from a case control study, a simple calculation that yields an approximate value for the relative risk of the exposure that has been examined in a case control study. The odds ratio is best explained in a simple table. Exposed Not exposed Disease a bNo disease c d The odds ratio is ad/bc. The odds ratio yields an approximation of relative risk that is valid for rare and uncommon diseases but not for diseases with an incidence rate greater than about 1/100.
How to cite this entry:
"odds ratio" A Dictionary of Public Health. Ed. John M. Last, Oxford University Press, 2007. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Copenhagen University Library. 13 February 2008 <http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t235.e3186>
