Which statement best reflects the interpretation of RR across outcomes?

• A. RR interpretation is independent of outcome direction.
• B. RR interpretation depends on the sample size.
• C. RR interpretation changes with exposure duration.
• D. Interpretation depends on whether the outcome is positive or negative.

Answer: (D)

Relative risk is a ratio of how likely an outcome is to occur in the exposed group compared with the unexposed group. The key point is what the outcome actually is. If the outcome is something positive (like recovery or cure), a value greater than 1 means the exposure is associated with more people achieving that positive outcome. If the outcome is negative (like getting a disease or dying), a value greater than 1 means more people experience the bad outcome in the exposed group, which is worse. Because the same numeric RR can imply beneficial or harmful implications depending on whether the outcome is positive or negative, interpretation must specify the type of outcome being studied.