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What is the diffrence between an odds ratio and a risk ratio

I apologise at how stupid this question is. :frown:

Can anyone help me to explain what the diffrence is between an odds ratio of 1 and a risk ratio of 1.

I know how to calculate both, and understand the difference in formulas.

But I need to explain in words what an odds ratio of 1 is........and then I need to explain in words what a risk ratio of 1 is.

Reply 1

Zacken

Original post by bubble3004

I apologise at how stupid this question is. :frown:

Does this help: http://www.theanalysisfactor.com/the-difference-between-relative-risk-and-odds-ratios/?

Reply 2

bubble3004

Original post by Zacken

Does this help: http://www.theanalysisfactor.com/the-difference-between-relative-risk-and-odds-ratios/?

Not really.

I know how to calculate the different values, and I mathematically know why they are different.

But all I can think is

Lets assume we are looking at the effect of smoking on cancer.

And odds ratio of 1 would mean that people who smoked are just as likey to get cancer as those who did not smoke.

A risk ratio of 1 would mean that people who smoke are just as likely to get cancer as those who dont smoke.