A kernel regression model for panel count data with time-varying coefficients

Abstract: For the conditional mean function of panel count model with time-varying coefficients, we propose to use local kernel regression method for estimation. Partial log-likelihood with local polynomial is formed for estimation. Under some regularity conditions, strong uniform consistency rates are obtained for the local estimator. At target time point, we show that the local estimator converges in distribution to normal distribution. The baseline mean function estimator is also shown to be consistent. Simulation studies show that the time-varying coefficient estimator is close to the true value, the empirical coverage probabilities of the confidence interval is close to the nominal level. We also applied the proposed method to analyze a clinical study on childhood wheezing.