• Astrid Schneider, Gerhard Hommel, and Maria Blettner.
• Departrment of Medical Biometrics, Epidemiology, and Computer Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
• Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2010 Nov 1; 107 (44): 776782776-82.

BackgroundRegression analysis is an important statistical method for the analysis of medical data. It enables the identification and characterization of relationships among multiple factors. It also enables the identification of prognostically relevant risk factors and the calculation of risk scores for individual prognostication.MethodsThis article is based on selected textbooks of statistics, a selective review of the literature, and our own experience.ResultsAfter a brief introduction of the uni- and multivariable regression models, illustrative examples are given to explain what the important considerations are before a regression analysis is performed, and how the results should be interpreted. The reader should then be able to judge whether the method has been used correctly and interpret the results appropriately.ConclusionThe performance and interpretation of linear regression analysis are subject to a variety of pitfalls, which are discussed here in detail. The reader is made aware of common errors of interpretation through practical examples. Both the opportunities for applying linear regression analysis and its limitations are presented.

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