How should a cluster randomized trial be analyzed?

Laurent Billot, Andrew Copas, Clemence Leyrat, Andrew Forbes, Elizabeth L. Turner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleOtherpeer-review

Abstract

In cluster randomized trials, individuals from the same cluster tend to have more similar outcomes than individuals from different clusters. This correlation must be taken into account in the analysis of every cluster trial to avoid incorrect inferences. In this paper, we describe the principles guiding the analysis of cluster trials including how to correctly account for intra-cluster correlations as well as how to analyze more advanced designs such as stepped-wedge and cluster cross-over trials. We then describe how to handle specific issues such as small sample sizes and missing data.

Original languageEnglish
Article number202196
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Population Health
Volume72
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2024

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Analysis
  • Cluster crossover trials
  • Cluster randomized trials
  • Stepped-wedge trials

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