Test of homogeneity of binary data with explanatory variables.
Apparent heterogeneity of the risk of a disease in different groups may be explained by subject-specific risk factors unequally distributed in these groups. We propose a score test of homogeneity that allows adjustment for known risk factors of the disease. The test is based on a random-effect logistic regression model and requires only simple computations in addition to a conventional logistic regression method. The score test is applied to the study of geographical heterogeneity of cognitive impairment in elderly using a sample of 3,318 subjects scattered in 75 parishes. It is shown that an apparent heterogeneity disappears when taking into account subject-specific risk factors. This test may also be useful for studying familial aggregation of a disease.
Commenges
D
D
INSERM U.330, Université de Bordeaux II, France.
Letenneur
L
L
Jacqmin
H
H
Moreau
T
T
Dartigues
J F
JF
D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011897:Random Allocation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors