Search

Several statistics have recently been proposed for the purpose of assessing the goodness of fit of an estimated logistic regression model. These statistics are reviewed and compared to other, less formal, procedures in the context of applications in epidemiologic research. One statistic is recommended for use and its computation is illustrated using data from a recent study of mortality of intensive care unit patients.

This paper illustrates how a microcomputer spreadsheet package can be used by epidemiologists to facilitate the computation of multiple logistic regression (MLR) probabilities, as well as odds ratios and associated confidence intervals, given the coefficients of the MLR model. By formatting a spreadsheet, data entry is greatly simplified, and computations are accomplished without any arithmetic manipulations on the part of the user. This approach makes it feasible for clerical support staff to assist in the computation of seemingly complex expressions. The increasing availability of microcomputers in clinical and research settings suggests that numerous analytic applications are amenable to this approach, thereby decreasing reliance on mainframe computers and desk-top calculators.