Is it a risk factor, a predictor, or even both ? The multiple faces of multivariable regression analysis

European Journal of Endocrinology, vol. 188, pp. E1–E4

Abstract

The medical research literature is abundant with regression analyses that include multiple covariates, so-called multivariable regression models. Despite their common application, the interpretation of their results is not always clear or claimed interpretations are not justified. To outline the distinctions between different interpretations, we describe several possible research objectives for which a multivariable regression analysis might be an appropriate way of analyzing the data. In addition, we describe caveats in the interpretation of results of multivariable regression analysis.

Authors 2

1. Rolf H. H. Groenwold corresponding Aachen Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Department of Clinical Epidemiology

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center , Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden , the Netherlands

   Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center , Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden , the Netherlands

2. Olaf M. Dekkers Aachen Department of Clinical Epidemiology Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center , Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden , the Netherlands

   Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center , Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden , the Netherlands