Comparing Bayesian Spatial Conditional Overdispersion and the Besag–York–Mollié Models: Application to Infant Mortality Rates

In this paper, we review overdispersed Bayesian generalized spatial conditional count data models. Their usefulness is illustrated with their application to infant mortality rates from Colombian regions and by comparing them with the widely used Besag–York–Mollié (BYM) models. These overdispersed mo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mabel Morales-Otero, Vicente Núñez-Antón
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
Series:Mathematics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/9/3/282
Description
Summary:In this paper, we review overdispersed Bayesian generalized spatial conditional count data models. Their usefulness is illustrated with their application to infant mortality rates from Colombian regions and by comparing them with the widely used Besag–York–Mollié (BYM) models. These overdispersed models assume that excess of dispersion in the data may be partially caused from the possible spatial dependence existing among the different spatial units. Thus, specific regression structures are then proposed both for the conditional mean and for the dispersion parameter in the models, including covariates, as well as an assumed spatial neighborhood structure. We focus on the case of response variables following a Poisson distribution, specifically concentrating on the spatial generalized conditional normal overdispersion Poisson model. Models were fitted by making use of the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) algorithms in the specific context of Bayesian estimation methods.
ISSN:2227-7390