A population of 256 seven-year old children from the UK was recruited from two general practitioner surgeries. Historical anthropometry data from birth to age three and current anthropometry were assessed as predictors of parent reported wheeze (asthma) and eczema. Social class was recorded on the basis of paternal occupation (social class I= highest class, social class V= lowest class).
The table below shows the analysis of the data, indicating the odds of a child developing a wheezy chest (asthma) by the age of 7 years associated with anthropometric measures and potential confounding factors.
Factor Odds ratio 95% confidence interval
Head circumference over 35.5cm between 0.91 0.84-0.98
10 and 15 days of age Ponderal index >13.98 at 7 years 1.32 1.01-1.63
Current passive smoking exposure 1.57 0.96-2.07
Exposure to smoking in pregnancy 4.12 0.87-6.95
Lower social class 0.45 0.02-1.32
Male sex 0.92 0.84-1.05
A family history of wheeze 7.25 0.92-15.86
Explain the relationship of each of the factors with risk of developing a wheezy chest at age 7.
(Reduced risk) (Increased risk) (No effect on risk)
i. A family history of wheeze
ii. Male sex iii. Lower social class
iv. Exposure to smoking in pregnancy
v. Current passive smoking exposure
vi. Ponderal index >13.98 at 7 years
vii. Head circumference over 35.5cm between 10 and 15 days of age
How do i work this out? I feel like it's the confidence intervals that should explain risk? Not really sure how to tell...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The table below shows the analysis of the data, indicating the odds of a child developing a wheezy chest (asthma) by the age of 7 years associated with anthropometric measures and potential confounding factors.
Factor Odds ratio 95% confidence interval
Head circumference over 35.5cm between 0.91 0.84-0.98
10 and 15 days of age Ponderal index >13.98 at 7 years 1.32 1.01-1.63
Current passive smoking exposure 1.57 0.96-2.07
Exposure to smoking in pregnancy 4.12 0.87-6.95
Lower social class 0.45 0.02-1.32
Male sex 0.92 0.84-1.05
A family history of wheeze 7.25 0.92-15.86
Explain the relationship of each of the factors with risk of developing a wheezy chest at age 7.
(Reduced risk) (Increased risk) (No effect on risk)
i. A family history of wheeze
ii. Male sex iii. Lower social class
iv. Exposure to smoking in pregnancy
v. Current passive smoking exposure
vi. Ponderal index >13.98 at 7 years
vii. Head circumference over 35.5cm between 10 and 15 days of age
How do i work this out? I feel like it's the confidence intervals that should explain risk? Not really sure how to tell...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.