Stating the rate for each group under consideration would also help readers assess the magnitude of the differences and might be easier for readers to understand. It is unrealistic to expect reporters or the public to understand this distinction. When event rates are high, odds ratios should be converted to risk ratios. There are simple methods of conversion for both crude and adjusted data. If odds ratios cannot be avoided, one should remind the reader that the higher the base rate, the more the odds ratio will overstate the relative risk.
Tools are available to help estimate the extent of overstatement.
In reporting the results of comparisons, one should be clear about the reference group. If an important interaction is identified, aggregate data should not be used in reporting the results. For example, the finding that blacks were less likely to be referred for catheterization only if they were female demonstrated an important interaction between race and sex. Once this interaction was found, presenting the results for all blacks without accounting for sex was inappropriate. In this case, a number of the reports in the media implied that a referral rate lower than 100 percent was inappropriate, an assumption that is unfounded.