A simplified eye-opener on managing missing data and in evaluation of non-response bias in medical research: a narrative review

Abstract

Using correct methods for prevention, analysis and treatment of missing data is essential in preserving the validity of scientific research. In spite of this, issues related to missing data and non-response bias are found to be inadequately discussed in medical research. Facts related to the ‘missingness’, such as justifying the missing data as missing-completely-at-random, missing-at-random and not-missing-at-random often confuse many of the medical researchers who are nonstatisticians. This article focuses on the essential components related to missing data.

Keywords

• missing data, missing completely at random, missing at random, not missing at random, non response bias