ISSN : 0376-4672
The propensity score matching method is a statistical method used to reduce selection bias in observational studies and to show effects similar to random allocation. There are many observational studies in dentistry research, and differences in baseline covariates between the control and case groups affect the outcome. In order to reduce the bias due to confounding variables, the propensity scores are used by equating groups based on the baseline covariates. This method is effective, especially when there are many covariates or the sample size is small. In this paper, the propensity score matching method was explained in a simple way with a dental example by using R software. This simulated data were obtained from one of retrospective study. The control group and the case group were matched according to the propensity score and compared before and after treatment. The propensity score matching method could be an alternative to compensate for the disadvantage of the observation study by reducing the bias based on the covariates with the propensity score.
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