PMID: 9544514Apr 17, 1998Paper

Interpreting the beta geometric in comparative fecundability studies

Biometrics
R Crouchley, A Dassios

Abstract

The beta distribution has often been used to describe variation in fecundability between couples when modelling the number of menstrual cycles required for a couple to achieve pregnancy. Groups are often compared for a condition or factor that could affect conception rates. However, when heterogeneity is present in each group, comparing group-specific parameters is not very informative on what any differences might imply for the individual couples. We present a quantile ratio that provides an individual level interpretation of any between-group differences in the beta distribution. Our results are illustrated on the two examples of Ridout and Morgan (1991, Biometrics 47, 1423-1433). The quantile ratio suggests a simplification in one of the examples.

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