Structural equation modeling in epidemiology

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is an important statistical tool for evaluating complex relations in several research areas. In epidemiology, the use and discussion of SEM have been limited thus far. This article presents basic principles and concepts in SEM, including an application using epidem...

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Published in:Cadernos de saúde pública 2010-12, Vol.26 (12), p.2251-2262
Main Authors: Amorim, Leila Denise Alves Ferreira, Fiaccone, Rosemeire L, Santos, Carlos Antônio S T, Santos, Tereza Nadya dos, Moraes, Lia Terezinha L P de, Oliveira, Nelson F, Barbosa, Silvano O, Santos, Darci Neves dos, Santos, Letícia Marques dos, Matos, Sheila M A, Barreto, Maurício L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child Development - physiology
Child, Preschool
Cognition - physiology
Epidemiologic Methods
Female
Humans
Male
Models, Psychological
PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Regression Analysis
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Summary:Structural equation modeling (SEM) is an important statistical tool for evaluating complex relations in several research areas. In epidemiology, the use and discussion of SEM have been limited thus far. This article presents basic principles and concepts in SEM, including an application using epidemiological data analysis from a study on the determinants of cognitive development in young children, considering constructs related to organization of the child's home environment, parenting style, and the child's health status. The relations between the constructs and cognitive development were measured. The results showed a positive association between psychosocial stimulus at home and cognitive development in young children. The article presents the contributions by SEM to epidemiology, highlighting the need for an a priori theoretical model for improving the study of epidemiological questions from a new perspective.
ISSN:0102-311X
1678-4464
1678-4464
0102-311X
DOI:10.1590/s0102-311x2010001200004