Analysis of exposure-time-response relationships using a spline weight function

Biometrics. 2000 Dec;56(4):1105-8. doi: 10.1111/j.0006-341x.2000.01105.x.

Abstract

To examine the time-dependent effects of exposure histories on disease, we estimate a weight function within a generalized linear model. The shape of the weight function, which is modeled as a cubic B-spline, gives information about the impact of exposure increments at different times on disease risk. The method is evaluated in a simulation study and is applied to data on smoking histories and lung cancer from a recent case-control study in Germany.

MeSH terms

  • Biometry / methods*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Epidemiologic Methods*
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure*
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Probability
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors