Longitudinal Mixed Membership Trajectory Models for Disability Survey Data.

ABSTRACT: We develop new methods for analyzing discrete multivariate longitudinal data and apply them to functional disability data on U.S. elderly population from the National Long Term Care Survey (NLTCS), 1982-2004. Our models build on a mixed membership framework, in which individuals are allowed multiple membership on a set of extreme profiles characterized by time-dependent trajectories of progression into disability. We also develop an extension that allows us to incorporate birth-cohort effects, in order to assess inter-generational changes. Applying these methods we find that most individuals follow trajectories that imply a late onset of disability, and that younger cohorts tend to develop disabilities at a later stage in life compared to their elders.

SUBMITTER: Manrique-Vallier D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4548941 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature