Using beta regression modeling in medical sciences: a comparative study

Abstract

Beta regression (BR) models provide an adequate approach for modeling continuous outcomes of limited intervals (0, 1). The BR model assumes that the dependent variable follows a beta distribution and that its mean is affiliated to a set of exploratory variables through a linear predictor known as coefficients and link function. The BR model also includes a dispersion parameter. This paper describes the BR model along with its properties. Furthermore, the comparison between different link functions of the BR model is conducted through a medical real-life application to laparoscopic surgical operations aiming to widen congenital obstruction in the connection between the kidney and ureter, a condition called ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UJO).