How to adjust confounders in studies on observational comparative effectiveness: (3) approaches on sensitivity analysis for confounder adjustment
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-6450.2019.12.026
- VernacularTitle: 如何控制观察性疗效比较研究中的混杂因素：（三）混杂因素控制的敏感性分析方法
- Author:
Lihong HUANG
1
;
Yang ZHAO
2
;
Yongyue WEI
2
;
Feng CHEN
2
Author Information
1. Department of Biostatistics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
2. Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Observational comparative effectiveness research;
Confounder;
Adjustment;
Sensitivity analysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology
2019;40(12):1645-1649
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Confounders are difficult to avoid in studies on observational comparative effectiveness. It is often unclear whether the confounders have been completely eliminated after controlling the measured or unmeasured potential confounding effects or if sensitivity analysis is needed when using the specific statistical methods, under given circumstances. This manuscript summarizes and evaluates the confounding sensitivity analysis methods. Based on different studies, sensitivity analyses need to use different approaches. The traditional sensitivity analysis can be applied for the measured confounders. Currently, the relatively systematic sensitivity analyses for unmeasured confounders would include confounding function, bounding factor and propensity score calibration. Additionally, more investigations are associated with Monte Carlo and Bayesian sensitivity analysis. Reliability of the research conclusion thus may largely be improved when the sensitivity analysis results are consistent with the main analysis.
