Relative Risk: A Breakdown

Odds Ratio vs. Relative Risk

The Basic Difference

There's a subtle distinction between odds ratio and relative risk. Odds ratio is the ratio of two odds, while relative risk is the ratio of two probabilities. In simpler terms, odds ratio compares the odds of an event happening in one group to the odds of it happening in another group, whereas relative risk compares the probability of an event occurring in one group to the probability of it occurring in another group.

Usage in Medical Literature

Odds ratios are frequently used in medical research to assess the relationship between exposure and outcomes. This measure, known as the risk ratio, or RR, is the ratio of two risks.

Relative Risk: A Simpler Concept

Relative risk, also referred to as risk ratio, is more straightforward. It compares the risk of an event occurring in one group (e.g., the exposed group) to the risk of the event occurring in another group.