Analysis of Cohort Stepped Wedge Cluster-Randomized Trials With Nonignorable Dropout via Joint Modeling.

ABSTRACT: Stepped wedge cluster-randomized trial (CRTs) designs randomize clusters of individuals to intervention sequences, ensuring that every cluster eventually transitions from a control period to receive the intervention under study by the end of the study period. The analysis of stepped wedge CRTs is usually more complex than parallel-arm CRTs due to more complex intra-cluster correlation structures. A further challenge in the analysis of closed-cohort stepped wedge CRTs, which follow groups of individuals enrolled in each period longitudinally, is the occurrence of dropout. This is particularly problematic in studies of individuals at high risk for mortality, which causes nonignorable missing outcomes. If not appropriately addressed, missing outcomes from death will erode statistical power, a

SUBMITTER: Gasparini A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11833761 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature