Sensitivity analysis for trend tests: Application to the risk of radiation exposure

Abstract

Trend tests are used to assess the relationship between multiple level treatment X and binary response R. In observational studies, however, there may be a confounder U that is associated with treatment X and causally related to response R. When the data for the confounder U are not observed, an approach for assessing the sensitivity of test results to U is provided. Its use is illustrated by examining data from a study of mutation rate after the Chernobyl accident.