Examining solutions to missing data in longitudinal nursing research.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Longitudinal studies are highly valuable in pediatrics because they provide useful data about developmental patterns of child health and behavior over time. When data are missing, the value of the research is impacted. The study's purpose was to (1) introduce a three-step approach to assess and address missing data and (2) illustrate this approach using categorical and continuous-level variables from a longitudinal study of premature infants.

Methods

A three-step approach with simulations was followed to assess the amount and pattern of missing data and to determine the most appropriate imputation method for the missing data. Patterns of missingness were Missing Completely at Random, Missing at Random, and Not Missing at Random. Missing continuous-level data were imp

SUBMITTER: Roberts MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5419303 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature