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01-12-2010 | Review Paper

Uncovering Multiple Pathways to Substance Use: A Comparison of Methods for Identifying Population Subgroups

Authors: Lisa Dierker, Jennifer Rose, Xianming Tan, Runze Li

Published in: Journal of Prevention | Issue 5-6/2010

Abstract

This paper describes and compares a selection of available modeling techniques for identifying homogeneous population subgroups in the interest of informing targeted substance use intervention. We present a nontechnical review of the common and unique features of three methods: (a) trajectory analysis, (b) functional hierarchical linear modeling (FHLM), and (c) decision tree methods. Differences among the techniques are described, including required data features, strengths and limitations in terms of the flexibility with which outcomes and predictors can be modeled, and the potential of each technique for helping to inform the selection of targets and timing of substance intervention programs.

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Title: Uncovering Multiple Pathways to Substance Use: A Comparison of Methods for Identifying Population Subgroups
Authors: Lisa Dierker
Jennifer Rose
Xianming Tan
Runze Li
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Prevention / Issue 5-6/2010
Print ISSN: 2731-5533
Electronic ISSN: 2731-5541
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-010-0224-6

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Uncovering Multiple Pathways to Substance Use: A Comparison of Methods for Identifying Population Subgroups

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