Table 3

 Odds ratios (95% CI) for risks factors for hospital admission using constructed variable* (mutually exclusive catergories), univariate and multivariate (adjusted for use of ICS and duration of asthma)

Univariate analysisMultivariate analysis
OR (95% CI)p valueOR (95% CI)p value
ICS, inhaled corticosteroids.
*Overall p value for the constructed variable is p<0.001. The reference category for the constructed variable is neither sensitised nor virus infected (± exposed).
†Median (range) in years; OR refers to decreased risk with each additional year.
Sensitised only1.8 (0.4 to 9.2)0.471.75 (0.3 to 11.7)0.56
Virus only3.8 (0.7 to 20.3)0.113.2 (0.5 to 19.1)0.20
Sensitised and exposed only3.1 (0.97 to 9.7)0.062.6 (0.7 to 9.3)0.13
Sensitised and virus only12.3 (0.7 to 213.4)0.098.9 (0.3 to 254.2)0.20
Sensitised and exposed and virus detected22.7 (4.6 to 112.5)<0.00119.4 (3.7 to 101.5)<0.001
On regular ICS0.2 (0.1 to 0.6)0.0020.3 (0.08 to 0.9)0.03
Duration of asthma†0.8 (0.7–0.9)0.0040.9 (0.8–1.1)0.3