Investigation of bias related to differences between case and control interview dates in five INTERPHONE countries

Authors: Michelle C. Turner, Siegal Sadetzki, Chelsea E. Langer, Rodrigo Villegas, Jordi Figuerola, Bruce K. Armstrong, Angela Chetrit, Graham G. Giles, Daniel Krewski, Martine Hours, Mary L. McBride, Marie-Elise Parent, Lesley Richardson, Jack Siemiatycki, Alistair Woodward, Elisabeth Cardis

Year: 2016

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Annals of Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.09.013

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1047279716303702

Abstract

Overview

This study examines potential biases in epidemiological data regarding the association between cellular telephone use and glioma risk.

Findings

  • No general positive association found between cellular telephone use and glioma risk.
  • Elevated risks were noted among individuals in the highest decile of cumulative call time.
  • The likelihood of bias due to differences in interview timings between cases and controls during periods of increasing cellular telephone use.

Methods

Analyses were conducted using a post-hoc matching strategy across five INTERPHONE study countries to optimize the timing and age similarity of interviews between cases and controls.

Conclusion

Improved interview timing proximity is crucial in studies where exposure patterns change rapidly over time, highlighting the necessity for careful study design to mitigate timing bias.

cellular telephone use glioma risk epidemiological studies INTERPHONE study interview bias
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