[Cluster analysis applied in the epidemiological stratification analysis]

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2003 Jul;24(7):615-7.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To establish a new method on stratification analysis when the stratification limits of confounding factors was not clear or contradictory.

Method: Data on a study of diabetes mellitus in Guangdong province collected in the year of 1997 and 1998 was analyzed using cluster-stratification analysis.

Results: The efficiency of stratification analysis was improved and the confounding bias was effectively controlled with information bias avoided when the clusters-stratification analysis was applied.

Conclusion: The problem was logically solved using cluster analysis as an assistant stratification means.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Bias
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology*
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Risk Factors