title: The importance of assessing the fit of logistic regression models: a case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The logistic regression model is being used with increasing frequency in all areas of public health research. In the calendar year 1989, over 30% of the articles published in the American Journal of Public Health employed some form of logistic regression modeling. In spite of this increase, there has been no commensurate increase in the use of commonly available methods for assessing model adequacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We review the current status of the use of logistic regression modeling in the American Journal of Public Health. We present a brief overview of currently available and easily used methods for assessing the adequacy of a fitted logistic regression model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An example is used to demonstrate the methods as well as a few of the adverse consequences of failing to assess the fit of the model. One important adverse consequence illustrated in the example is the inclusion of variables in the model as a result of the influence of one subject.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Failure to address model adequacy may lead to misleading or incorrect inferences. Recommendations are made for the use of methods for assessing model adequacy and for future editorial policy in regard to the review of articles using logistic regression.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Massachusetts/Amherst 01003.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hosmer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taber
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lemeshow
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011634:Public Health; D011643:Publishing / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results