On Baseline Conditions for Zero-Inflated Longitudinal Count Data

Abstract

We describe a mixed-effect hurdle model for zero-inflated longitudinal count data, where a baseline variable is included in the model specification. Association between the count data process and the endogenous baseline variable is modeled through a latent structure, assumed to be dependent across equations. We show how model parameters can be estimated in a finite mixture context, allowing for overdispersion, multivariate association and endogeneity of the baseline variable. The model behavior is investigated through a large-scale simulation experiment. An empirical example on health care utilization data is provided.

Keywords:

• Baseline conditions
• Hurdle model
• Longitudinal count data
• Zero-inflation

Mathematics Subject Classification:

• 6207
• 62J12
• 62H12