Methods for constructing and assessing propensity scores.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To model the steps involved in preparing for and carrying out propensity score analyses by providing step-by-step guidance and Stata code applied to an empirical dataset.

Study design

Guidance, Stata code, and empirical examples are given to illustrate (1) the process of choosing variables to include in the propensity score; (2) balance of propensity score across treatment and comparison groups; (3) balance of covariates across treatment and comparison groups within blocks of the propensity score; (4) choice of matching and weighting strategies; (5) balance of covariates after matching or weighting the sample; and (6) interpretation of treatment effect estimates.

Empirical application

We use data from the Palliative Care for Cancer Patients (PC4C) study, a

SUBMITTER: Garrido MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4213057 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature