This paper reviews several common challenges encountered in statistical analyses of epidemiological data for epidemiologists. We focus on the application of linear regression, multivariate logistic regression, and log-linear modeling to epidemiological data. Specific topics include: (a) deletion of outliers, (b) heteroscedasticity in linear regression, (c) limitations of principal component analysis in dimension reduction, (d) hazard ratio vs. odds ratio in a rate comparison analysis, (e) log-linear models with multiple response data, and (f) ordinal logistic vs. multinomial logistic models. As a general rule, a thorough examination of a model's assumptions against both current data and prior research should precede its use in estimating effects.
CITATION STYLE
Yan, L., Sun, Y., Boivin, M. R., Kwon, P. O., & Li, Y. (2016, October 7). Revealing facts and avoiding biases: A review of several common problems in statistical analyses of epidemiological data. Frontiers in Public Health. Frontiers Media S. A. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPUBH.2016.00207
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