Regression Estimation Using Multivariate Failure Time Data and a Common Baseline Hazard Function Model

Abstract

Recent ‘marginal’ methods for the regression analysis of multivariate failure time data have mostly assumed Cox (1972)model hazard functions in which the members of the cluster have distinct baseline hazard functions. In some important applications, including sibling family studies in genetic epidemiology and group randomized intervention trials, a common baseline hazard assumption is more natural. Here we consider a weighted partial likelihood score equation for the estimation of regression parameters under a common baseline hazard model, and provide corresponding asymptotic distribution theory. An extensive series of simulation studies is used to examine the adequacy of the asymptotic distributional approximations, and especially the efficiency gain due to weighting, as a function of strength of dependency within cluster, and cluster size.