A note on variance estimation in random effects meta-regression

Sidik, K; Jonkman, JN

HERO ID

1239450

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2005

Language

English

PMID

16078388

HERO ID 1239450
In Press No
Year 2005
Title A note on variance estimation in random effects meta-regression
Authors Sidik, K; Jonkman, JN
Journal Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics
Volume 15
Issue 5
Page Numbers 823-838
Abstract For random effects meta-regression inference, variance estimation for the parameter estimates is discussed. Because estimated weights are used for meta-regression analysis in practice, the assumed or estimated covariance matrix used in meta-regression is not strictly correct, due to possible errors in estimating the weights. Therefore, this note investigates the use of a robust variance estimation approach for obtaining variances of the parameter estimates in random effects meta-regression inference. This method treats the assumed covariance matrix of the effect measure variables as a working covariance matrix. Using an example of meta-analysis data from clinical trials of a vaccine, the robust variance estimation approach is illustrated in comparison with two other methods of variance estimation. A simulation study is presented, comparing the three methods of variance estimation in terms of bias and coverage probability. We find that, despite the seeming suitability of the robust estimator for random effects meta-regression, the improved variance estimator of Knapp and Hartung (2003) yields the best performance among the three estimators, and thus may provide the best protection against errors in the estimated weights.
Doi 10.1081/BIP-200067915
Pmid 16078388
Wosid WOS:000236233000006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword covariate; random effects model; robust variance estimation; t-distribution; weighted least squares estimate
Is Qa No