Sample size calculation for estimating key epidemiological parameters using serological data and mathematical modelling.
BMC Med Res Methodol
; 19(1): 51, 2019 03 07.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30845904
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Our work was motivated by the need to, given serum availability and/or financial resources, decide on which samples to test in a serum bank for different pathogens. Simulation-based sample size calculations were performed to determine the age-based sampling structures and optimal allocation of a given number of samples for testing across various age groups best suited to estimate key epidemiological parameters (e.g., seroprevalence or force of infection) with acceptable precision levels in a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey.METHODS:
Statistical and mathematical models and three age-based sampling structures (survey-based structure, population-based structure, uniform structure) were used. Our calculations are based on Belgian serological survey data collected in 2001-2003 where testing was done, amongst others, for the presence of Immunoglobulin G antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella, for which a national mass immunisation programme was introduced in 1985 in Belgium, and against varicella-zoster virus and parvovirus B19 for which the endemic equilibrium assumption is tenable in Belgium.RESULTS:
The optimal age-based sampling structure to use in the sampling of a serological survey as well as the optimal allocation distribution varied depending on the epidemiological parameter of interest for a given infection and between infections.CONCLUSIONS:
When estimating epidemiological parameters with acceptable levels of precision within the context of a single cross-sectional serological survey, attention should be given to the age-based sampling structure. Simulation-based sample size calculations in combination with mathematical modelling can be utilised for choosing the optimal allocation of a given number of samples over various age groups.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)
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Algoritmos
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Sarampión
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Modelos Teóricos
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Anticuerpos Antivirales
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Paperas
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Humans
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Infant
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Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Med Res Methodol
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Bélgica