arrow
Return

Discretizing Continuous Event Time Data

delete2026-05-01
delete0
PRE
AI
R
Rachael K. Ross *
J
Jacqueline E. Rudolph
Z
Zalla, Lauren C.
C
Catherine R. Lesko
DOI:10.1097/EDE.0000000000001946delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Although data may capture continuous event times or event times with high resolution (e.g., day), some statistical analyses require the discretization of time into intervals and assigning each event (i.e., outcome or loss to follow-up [LTFU]) to the start or end of an interval. First, using a simulated example, we showed that outcomes should be assigned to the end of the interval. Next, we considered four approaches for assigning LTFU events in a simulated example and in 20 real datasets. Comparing the resulting cumulative risk curves with the curve using continuous time, one approach always had the least error: assigning LTFU to the start or end of the interval, depending on which was closest to the continuous event time. This approach was superior to always censoring at the beginning or end of the interval.
Keywords:
Continuous
Discrete
Survival
Time to event
Time

Journal

Epidemiology cover
Epidemiology
IF:
4.4
Papers:
1.7K
Citations:
1.5W

Organization

 
 columbia university
Scholars:
2.3K
Papers: 945
Citations: 0
 
 johns hopkins university
Scholars:
3.9K
Papers: 1.5K
Citations: 0