A researcher plans a case-control study to examine the association between smoking and lung cancer. Which measure of association can be directly calculated from this study design?
- A Odds ratio ✓
- B Incidence rate
- C Relative risk
- D Attributable risk
Correct answer: A. Odds ratio
Explanation
Case-control studies sample based on outcome status (cases with disease, controls without) and look back at exposure. Since participants are selected by disease status, incidence and relative risk cannot be directly estimated. The odds ratio is the valid measure of association for case-control studies. Relative risk requires cohort or cross-sectional designs. This is a frequently tested epidemiological concept.
Reference: Gordis Epidemiology, 6th ed.
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