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Case-control study odds ratio — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModeratePreventive Medicine, Epidemiology, BiostatisticsCase-control study odds ratioUSMLE Step 3

A case-control study evaluates a suspected association between a rare cancer and occupational solvent exposure. Investigators enroll 300 patients with the cancer and 300 age-matched controls. Solvent exposure is found in 90 cases and 45 controls. Which of the following is the most appropriate measure of association?

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Correct answer: D — Odds ratio

Case-control studies start with outcome status and compare prior exposure; incidence and risk cannot be directly measured. The odds ratio is the appropriate association measure.

Reference: Standard epidemiology principles; USMLE Step 3 content outline