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Mediation Analysis using Semi-parametric Shape-Restricted Regression with Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Qing Yin

    (University of Pittsburgh)

  • Jong-Hyeon Jeong

    (University of Pittsburgh
    National Cancer Institute)

  • Xu Qin

    (University of Pittsburgh)

  • Shyamal D Peddada

    (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH)

  • Jennifer J Adibi

    (University of Pittsburgh)

Abstract

Often linear regression is used to estimate mediation effects. In many instances the underlying relationships may not be linear. Although, the exact functional form of the relationship may be unknown, based on the underlying science, one may hypothesize the shape of the relationship. For these reasons, we develop a novel shape-restricted inference-based methodology for conducting mediation analysis. This work is motivated by an application in fetal endocrinology where researchers are interested in understanding the effects of pesticide application on birth weight, with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as the mediator. Using the proposed methodology on a population-level prenatal screening program data, with hCG as the mediator, we discovered that while the natural direct effects suggest a positive association between pesticide application and birth weight, the natural indirect effects were negative.

Suggested Citation

  • Qing Yin & Jong-Hyeon Jeong & Xu Qin & Shyamal D Peddada & Jennifer J Adibi, 2024. "Mediation Analysis using Semi-parametric Shape-Restricted Regression with Applications," Sankhya B: The Indian Journal of Statistics, Springer;Indian Statistical Institute, vol. 86(2), pages 669-689, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sankhb:v:86:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s13571-024-00336-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s13571-024-00336-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ashley E. Larsen & Steven D. Gaines & Olivier Deschênes, 2017. "Agricultural pesticide use and adverse birth outcomes in the San Joaquin Valley of California," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, December.
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