Can registry-based auxiliary variables improve handling of missing outcome data in mental health trials? Evidence from a registry-linked randomized study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Missing outcome data are a pervasive challenge in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mental health interventions, potentially biasing effect estimates. Linking survey data with administrative registries offers new opportunities to include auxiliary variables in multiple imputation (MI), but evidence of their added value remains scarce.

Methods

We used data from the Norwegian RCT of Prompt Mental Health Care (PMHC; N = 681) which assessed self-report outcomes of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) at 6 and 12 months. Registry linkage provided information on prescriptions, consultations, sick leave, and benefits (N = 651). We examined whether registry variables were associated with missingness and assessed their correlations with depression and anxiety sympto

SUBMITTER: Andersen AIO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802243 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature