Cluster analysis applied in the epidemiological stratification analysis

Objective To establish a new method on stratification analysis when the stratification limits of confounding factors was not clear or contradictory. Method Data on a study of diabetes mellitus in Guangdong province collected in the year of 1997 and 1998 was analyzed using cluster stratification analysis. Results The efficiency of stratification analysis was improved and the confounding bias was effectively controlled with information bias avoided when the clusters stratification analysis was applied. Conclusion The problem was logically solved using cluster analysis as an assistant stratification means.