Bias due to differential participation in case-control studies and review of available approaches for adjustment.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Low response rates in epidemiologic research potentially lead to the recruitment of a non-representative sample of controls in case-control studies. Problems in the unbiased estimation of odds ratios arise when characteristics causing the probability of participation are associated with exposure and outcome. This is a specific setting of selection bias and a realistic hazard in many case-control studies. This paper formally describes the problem and shows its potential extent, reviews existing approaches for bias adjustment applicable under certain conditions, compares and applies them.

Methods

We focus on two scenarios: a characteristic C causing differential participation of controls is linked to the outcome through its association with risk factor E (scenario I

SUBMITTER: Aigner A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5783376 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature