Table 4
Odds ratios from logistic regression analysis for exposures assigned by occupational hygienists to the occupation in the 3
months prior to semen sample
| Exposure | n | Unadjusted | Adjusted* | |
| Cases | Referents | OR (95% CI) | OR (95% CI) | |
| Glycol ethers | ||||
| No | 653 | 949 | 1 | 1 |
| Low | 152 | 242 | 0.91 (0.73 to 1.14) | 0.93 (0.74 to 1.17) |
| Moderate | 48 | 41 | 1.70 (1.11 to 2.61) | 1.65 (1.06 to 2.54) |
| High | 21 | 12 | 2.54 (1.24 to 5.21) | 2.54 (1.23 to 5.27) |
| All other VOCs | ||||
| No | 559 | 821 | 1 | 1 |
| Low | 211 | 325 | 0.95 (0.78 to 1.17) | 0.97 (0.79 to 1.19) |
| Moderate | 76 | 73 | 1.53 (1.09 to 2.15) | 1.55 (1.10 to 2.18) |
| High | 28 | 25 | 1.65 (0.95 to 2.85) | 1.68 (0.96 to 2.93) |
| Carbon disulphide | ||||
| No | 824 | 1182 | 1 | 1 |
| Low | 46 | 60 | 1.10 (0.74 to 1.63) | 1.13 (0.76 to 1.69) |
| Moderate | 3 | 2 | 2.15 (0.36 to 12.91) | 3.31† (0.59 to 18.43) |
| High | 1 | 0 | ∼ | |
| Styrene | ||||
| No | 786 | 1133 | 1 | 1 |
| Low | 71 | 96 | 1.07 (0.77 to 1.47) | 1.10 (0.79 to 1.52) |
| Moderate | 12 | 13 | 1.33 (0.60 to 2.93) | 1.43 (0.64 to 3.18) |
| High | 5 | 2 | 3.60 (0.70 to 18.62) | 3.12 (0.58 to 16.64) |
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OR, odds ratio; VOC, volatile organic compound.
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n = 2118.
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*In a multi-level logistic regression model including: surgery to the testes, previous conception, use of alcohol and wearing boxer shorts, clustered within centre.
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†“High” combined with “moderate” to eliminate empty cell.
