# Would it be appropriate to calculate the odds ratio while comparing difference in risk factors for a given disease between two genders

I recorded risk factors for a given disease and then compared them between the two genders. I have calculated the p value as well to assess the statistical significance. In the current scenario, would it be OK/ appropriate if I calculate the odds ratio as well, which tell me the odds of developing a disease in one of the genders?

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Is there any reason why this wouldn't be acceptable? I'm not sure that I understand the impetus behind this question. – gung Oct 9 '12 at 12:34
I agree with @gung . Indeed, if I had to choose between just computing an effect size (like odds ratio) and just computing a p-value, I would choose the former. However, the odds ratio for gender will not tell you the odds of developing the disease in one of the genders; the odds ratio is a ratio of two odds. It measures the relative odds for males vs. females. – Peter Flom Oct 9 '12 at 12:41