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Sample Size Calculation Guide

This document discusses how to calculate sample size for a case-control study. It explains that sample size calculations are based on factors like statistical power, effect size, standard deviation, and desired significance level. It provides formulas for calculating sample size for binary and continuous exposures. An example calculation is shown for detecting an odds ratio of 2.0 with 80% power and equal numbers of cases and controls, resulting in a required sample size of 362 subjects.

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Fakher Khalili
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215 views14 pages

Sample Size Calculation Guide

This document discusses how to calculate sample size for a case-control study. It explains that sample size calculations are based on factors like statistical power, effect size, standard deviation, and desired significance level. It provides formulas for calculating sample size for binary and continuous exposures. An example calculation is shown for detecting an odds ratio of 2.0 with 80% power and equal numbers of cases and controls, resulting in a required sample size of 362 subjects.

Uploaded by

Fakher Khalili
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Calculating sample size for a case-control study

Statistical Power

Statistical power is the probability of finding an effect if its real.

Factors Affecting Power


1. 2. 3. 4. Size of the effect Standard deviation of the characteristic Bigger sample size Significance level desired

Sample size calculations

Based on these elements, you can write a formal mathematical equation that relates power, sample size, effect size, standard deviation, and significance level.

Calculating sample size for a casecontrol study: binary exposure

Use difference in proportions formula

formula for difference in Represents the proportions


Sample size in the case group

r=ratio of controls to cases

desired power (typically .84 for 80% power).

r 1 ( p)(1 p)(Z Z/2 ) n( ) 2 r (p1 p2 )


A measure of variability (similar to standard deviation) Effect Size (the difference in proportions)

Represents the desired level of statistical significance (typically 1.96).

Example

How many cases and controls do you need assuming


80% power You want to detect an odds ratio of 2.0 or greater An equal number of cases and controls (r=1) The proportion exposed in the control group is 20%

Example, continued
r 1 ( p)(1 p)(Z Z/2 ) n( ) 2 r (p1 p2 )

For 80% power, Z=.84 For 0.05 significance level, Z=1.96 r=1 (equal number of cases and controls) The proportion exposed in the control group is 20% To get proportion of cases exposed:
pcaseexp ORpcontrols exp pcontrols exp (OR 1) 1
pcaseexp 2.0(. 20 ) .40 .33 (. 20 )( 2.0 1) 1 1.20

Average proportion exposed = (.33+.20)/2=.265

Example, continued
r 1 ( p)(1 p)(Z Z/2 ) n( ) 2 r (p1 p2 )
2

(. 265 )(1 .265 )(. 84 1.96 ) n2 181 2 (.33 .20 )

Therefore, n=362 (181 cases, 181 controls)

Calculating sample size for a casecontrol study: continuous exposure

Use difference in means formula

formula for difference in means


Sample size in the case group

r=ratio of controls to cases

Represents the desired power (typically .84 for 80% power).

r 1 ( Z Z/2 ) n( ) 2 r (difference)
2

Represents the desired level of Standard deviation Effect Size of the outcome (the difference statistical significance variable in means) (typically 1.96).

Example

How many cases and controls do you need assuming


80% power The standard deviation of the characteristic you are comparing is 10.0 You want to detect a difference in your characteristic of 5.0 (one half standard deviation) An equal number of cases and controls (r=1)

Example, continued
r 1 ( Z Z/2 ) n( ) 2 r (difference)
2 2

For 80% power, Z=.84 For 0.05 significance level, Z=1.96 r=1 (equal number of cases and controls) =10.0 Difference = 5.0

Example, continued
r 1 ( Z Z/2 ) n( ) 2 r (difference)
2
2

10 (7.84 ) 2 n ( 2) (2) 2 (7.84 ) 63 2 (5)

Therefore, n=126 (63 cases, 63 controls)

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