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Internal and External Validation of Spatial Microsimulation Models: Small Area Estimates of Adult Obesity

Internal and External Validation of Spatial Microsimulation Models: Small Area Estimates of Adult... Spatial microsimulation models can be used to estimate previously unknown data at the micro-level, although validation of these models can be challenging. This paper seeks to describe an approach to validation of these models. Obesity data in adults were estimated at the small area level using a static, deterministic, spatial microsimulation model called SimObesity. This model utilised both Census 2001 data and the Health Survey for England for 2004–2006. Regression analysis was used to identify the covariates that were the strongest predictors of obesity and these were used as the model input variables. The model was calibrated using regression and equal variance t-tests. Two methods of external validation were undertaken; aggregating obesity data to a coarser geographical level at which obesity data was available, and secondly using small area level cancer data for tumour sites known to be correlated to obesity. The output obesity data were mapped and statistically significant hot (cold) spots of high (low) prevalence of obesity identified. Both internal and external validation showed low errors, suggesting this was a satisfactory simulation. Statistically significant hot and cold spots of (simulated) obesity prevalence existed, even after adjusting for age. This paper emphasises three steps to validation of spatial microsimulation models: 1. Accurate simulations require strong correlations between the input and output variables; 2. It is essential to internally validate the models; 3. Use all means possible to externally validate the model. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy Springer Journals

Internal and External Validation of Spatial Microsimulation Models: Small Area Estimates of Adult Obesity

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References (59)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2010 by Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Subject
Social Sciences; Human Geography; Landscape/Regional and Urban Planning; Regional/Spatial Science
ISSN
1874-463X
eISSN
1874-4621
DOI
10.1007/s12061-010-9056-2
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Spatial microsimulation models can be used to estimate previously unknown data at the micro-level, although validation of these models can be challenging. This paper seeks to describe an approach to validation of these models. Obesity data in adults were estimated at the small area level using a static, deterministic, spatial microsimulation model called SimObesity. This model utilised both Census 2001 data and the Health Survey for England for 2004–2006. Regression analysis was used to identify the covariates that were the strongest predictors of obesity and these were used as the model input variables. The model was calibrated using regression and equal variance t-tests. Two methods of external validation were undertaken; aggregating obesity data to a coarser geographical level at which obesity data was available, and secondly using small area level cancer data for tumour sites known to be correlated to obesity. The output obesity data were mapped and statistically significant hot (cold) spots of high (low) prevalence of obesity identified. Both internal and external validation showed low errors, suggesting this was a satisfactory simulation. Statistically significant hot and cold spots of (simulated) obesity prevalence existed, even after adjusting for age. This paper emphasises three steps to validation of spatial microsimulation models: 1. Accurate simulations require strong correlations between the input and output variables; 2. It is essential to internally validate the models; 3. Use all means possible to externally validate the model.

Journal

Applied Spatial Analysis and PolicySpringer Journals

Published: Oct 22, 2010

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