title: Improving epidemiologic data analyses through multivariate regression modelling.
abstract: : Regression modelling is one of the most widely utilized approaches in epidemiological analyses. It provides a method of identifying statistical associations, from which potential causal associations relevant to disease control may then be investigated. Multivariable regression - a single dependent variable (outcome, usually disease) with multiple independent variables (predictors) - has long been the standard model. Generalizing multivariable regression to multivariate regression - all variables potentially statistically dependent - offers a far richer modelling framework. Through a series of simple illustrative examples we compare and contrast these approaches. The technical methodology used to implement multivariate regression is well established - Bayesian network structure discovery - and while a relative newcomer to the epidemiological literature has a long history in computing science. Applications of multivariate analysis in epidemiological studies can provide a greater understanding of disease processes at the population level, leading to the design of better disease control and prevention programs.
authors.affiliation: Section of Epidemiology, VetSuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, Zürich, CH 8057, Switzerland. fraseriain.lewis@uzh.ch.
authors.forename: Fraser I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Ward