Imputation method for lifetime exposure assessment in air pollution epidemiologic studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Environmental epidemiology, when focused on the life course of exposure to a specific pollutant, requires historical exposure estimates that are difficult to obtain for the full time period due to gaps in the historical record, especially in earlier years. We show that these gaps can be filled by applying multiple imputation methods to a formal risk equation that incorporates lifetime exposure. We also address challenges that arise, including choice of imputation method, potential bias in regression coefficients, and uncertainty in age-at-exposure sensitivities.

Methods

During time periods when parameters needed in the risk equation are missing for an individual, the parameters are filled by an imputation model using group level information or interpolation. A ran

SUBMITTER: Beyea J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3751034 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature