Identifying typical trajectories in longitudinal data: modelling strategies and interpretations.

ABSTRACT: Individual-level longitudinal data on biological, behavioural, and social dimensions are becoming increasingly available. Typically, these data are analysed using mixed effects models, with the result summarised in terms of an average trajectory plus measures of the individual variations around this average. However, public health investigations would benefit from finer modelling of these individual variations which identify not just one average trajectory, but several typical trajectories. If evidence of heterogeneity in the development of these variables is found, the role played by temporally preceding (explanatory) variables as well as the potential impact of differential trajectories may have on later outcomes is often of interest. A wide choice of methods for uncovering typical traje

SUBMITTER: Herle M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7154024 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature