[Cluster analysis applied in the epidemiological stratification analysis]

Abstract

Objective: To establish a new method on stratification analysis when the stratification limits of confounding factors was not clear or contradictory.

Method: Data on a study of diabetes mellitus in Guangdong province collected in the year of 1997 and 1998 was analyzed using cluster-stratification analysis.

Results: The efficiency of stratification analysis was improved and the confounding bias was effectively controlled with information bias avoided when the clusters-stratification analysis was applied.

Conclusion: The problem was logically solved using cluster analysis as an assistant stratification means.