Quadratic inference functions in marginal models for longitudinal data with time-varying stochastic covariates

Abstract

For the marginal model and generalized estimating equations (GEE) method there is important full covariates conditional mean (FCCM) assumption which is pointed out by Pepe and Anderson (1994). With longitudinal data with time-varying stochastic covariates, this assumption may not necessarily hold. If this assumption is violated, the biased estimates of regression coefficients may result. But if a diagonal working correlation matrix is used, irrespective of whether the assumption is violated, the resulting estimates are (nearly) unbiased (Pan et al., 2000).The quadratic inference functions (QIF) method proposed by Qu et al. (2000) is the method based on generalized method of moment (GMM) using GEE. The QIF yields a substantial improvement in efficiency for the estimator of <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX> when the working correlation is misspecified, and equal efficiency to the GEE when the working correlation is correct (Qu et al., 2000).In this paper, we interest in whether the QIF can improve the results of the GEE method in the case of FCCM is violated. We show that the QIF with exchangeable and AR(1) working correlation matrix cannot be consistent and asymptotically normal in this case. Also it may not be efficient than GEE with independence working correlation. Our simulation studies verify the result.