When does attrition lead to biased estimates of alcohol consumption? Bias analysis for loss to follow-up in 30 longitudinal cohorts.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Survey nonresponse has increased across decades, making the amount of attrition a focus in generating inferences from longitudinal data. Use of inverse probability weights [IPWs] and other statistical approaches are common, but residual bias remains a threat. Quantitative bias analysis for nonrandom attrition as an adjunct to IPW may yield more robust inference.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Monitoring the Future panel studies [twelfth grade, base-year: 1976-2005; age 29/30 follow-up: 1987-2017, N = 73,298]. We then applied IPW imputation in increasing percentages, assuming varying risk differences [RDs] among nonresponders. Measurements included past-two-week binge drinking at base-year and every follow-up. Demographic and other correlates of binge drinking co

SUBMITTER: Keyes KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7723204 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature