Causal Mediation Analysis With Observational Data: Considerations and Illustration Examining Mechanisms Linking Neighborhood Poverty to Adolescent Substance Use.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the mediation mechanisms by which an exposure or intervention affects an outcome can provide a look into what has been called a "black box" of many epidemiologic associations, thereby providing further evidence of a relationship and possible points of intervention. Rapid methodologic developments in mediation analyses mean that there are a growing number of approaches for researchers to consider, each with its own set of assumptions, advantages, and disadvantages. This has understandably resulted in some confusion among applied researchers. Here, we provide a brief overview of the mediation methods available and discuss points for consideration when choosing a method. We provide an in-depth explication of 2 of the many potential estimators for illustrative purposes: the Baron

SUBMITTER: Rudolph KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6395164 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature