Applied analysis of recurrent events: a practical overview. Issue 8 (14th July 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Twisk, Jos W R; Smidt, Nynke; de Vente, Wieke
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 59:Issue 8(2005)
• Page Start: 706
• Page End: 710
• Publication Date: 2005-07-14
• Subjects: recurrent events -- Cox regression -- GEE analysis -- random coefficient analysis -- multilevel analysis; Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2004.030759
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : Study objective: The purpose of this paper is to give an overview and comparison of different easily applicable statistical techniques to analyse recurrent event data. Setting: These techniques include naive techniques and longitudinal techniques such as Cox regression for recurrent events, generalised estimating equations (GEE), and random coefficient analysis. The different techniques are illustrated with a dataset from a randomised controlled trial regarding the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Main results: The use of different statistical techniques leads to different results and different conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the different intervention strategies. Conclusions: If you are interested in a particular short term or long term result, simple naive techniques are appropriate. However, if the development of a particular outcome is of interest, statistical techniques that consider the recurrent events and additionally corrects for the dependency of the observations are necessary.