“Statistical analysis with missing data using multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting”

On June 17 – June 16, 2019, I had the opportunity to visit London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and attend the Short Course “Statistical analysis with missing data using multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting”. This course was a nice birthday present from EPINOR. 

The course is offered annually by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, which is located in central London, close to the main historical landmarks. This is one of the oldest research institution which focuses on public health problems and tropical medicine. It was a privilege to spend time with the best minds in the field. 

The course was delivered by the leading biostatisticians at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine: James Carpenter, Tim Morris, Matteo Quartagno, Karla DiazOrdaz, Ian White. The lectures and practical assignments covered the various aspects of statistical analysis with missing data, including different situations when multiple imputation can be applied to handle missing data problem.

Although multiple imputation was explained in detail, the prior knowledge of various statistical methods is required to fully benefit from the course. In particular, different regression models, longitudinal data analysis techniques, and propensity score analysis should be familiar to the students before attending the course. The learning materials in form of lectures, labs, and stata syntax files were provided to the course participants, therefore those can be used in future in my project. Also, course leaders offered their advice and expertise regarding students’ projects which was extremely valuable. Therefore, I would definitely recommend enrolment to any student doing PhD in epidemiology because missing data is a frequent and inevitable problem in the field of public health research. 

The course lasted only three days, therefore the schedule was really full with different course activities to cover the wide range of topics. I could still find some time to celebrate my birthday with traditional English cuisine.  

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Olena Iakunchykova, UiT