Bayesian inference of the Weibull model based on interval-censored survival data

Comput Math Methods Med. 2013:2013:849520. doi: 10.1155/2013/849520. Epub 2013 Jan 10.

Abstract

Interval-censored data consist of adjacent inspection times that surround an unknown failure time. We have in this paper reviewed the classical approach which is maximum likelihood in estimating the Weibull parameters with interval-censored data. We have also considered the Bayesian approach in estimating the Weibull parameters with interval-censored data under three loss functions. This study became necessary because of the limited discussion in the literature, if at all, with regard to estimating the Weibull parameters with interval-censored data using Bayesian. A simulation study is carried out to compare the performances of the methods. A real data application is also illustrated. It has been observed from the study that the Bayesian estimator is preferred to the classical maximum likelihood estimator for both the scale and shape parameters.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Bayes Theorem*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Computer Simulation
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Models, Statistical
  • Probability
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Analysis*