Generalized estimating equation output

[Miracle]

Dear all,

How are you?

I am analyzing my data with only 2 continuous outcome repeated measures from each individuals(total=1320) with a GEE model with unstructured correlation structure.

I am not familiar with GEE but as far as I understand, QIC is for comparing the appropriateness of correlation structure and QICu is for variable selection, which the smallest the value the better.

Does it make it a significant predictor if the p-value of an effect <0.05 from the 'Score Statistics For Type 3 GEE Analysis' output? In my case, with or without corresponding p-value<0.05 effect doesn't impact the correlation too much. But including the corresponding effect increases the QIC and QICu though not too much. Hence I'm confused about whether to include or exclude such effect.

Your insight is greatly appreciated.

[StatDave]

The score type3 test is a test of the predictor's association with the response.  This is generally what you would use to assess the value of having the predictor in the model.  It is not a test of its effect on the correlation among the measurements.  But adding or removing predictors may effect the estimates of the correlation.  The QIC statistics don't have a measure of variability, so it is not possible to say if adding or removing a predictor has a "significant" effect on QIC.