A continuation ratio random effects model for repeated ordinal responses

This paper presents methods of analysis for ordinal repeated measures. We u se a generalization of the continuation ratio model with a random effect. W e handle frailty by using a normal distribution and also a non-parametric d istribution. The methodology is readily implemented in existing software an d flexible enough to treat large data sets with uncommon time measurements as well as different numbers of repeated measures for each individual. The models are used to investigate how a group of explanatory variables influen ces the overall condition of patients treated for breast cancer. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.