In a logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for hypertension associated with obesity is 2.8 (95% CI: 1.4–5.6, p = 0.004) after adjusting for age and sex. Which statement BEST describes this result?

• A The relative risk of hypertension in obese individuals is 2.8 compared with non-obese individuals
• B For every unit increase in BMI, the odds of hypertension increase 2.8-fold
• C The probability that obesity causes hypertension is 2.8 times higher than chance
• D Obese individuals are 2.8 times more likely to develop hypertension, independent of age and sex ✓

Explanation

In logistic regression, the exponentiated coefficient yields an adjusted odds ratio; here, obesity is associated with 2.8-fold higher odds of hypertension after controlling for confounders age and sex. The 95% CI excludes 1.0 and p < 0.05, so the result is statistically significant. The OR from logistic regression approximates RR only when the outcome is rare (<10%); it does not represent per-unit BMI change unless BMI is the continuous predictor.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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