Question

What is matching and why is it a concern in case-control studies?

Answer 1

Matched case-control study designs are commonly implemented in the field of public health. While matching is intended to eliminate confounding, the main potential benefit of matching in case-control studies is a gain in efficiency. Methods for analyzing matched case-control studies have focused on utilizing conditional logistic regression models that provide conditional and not causal estimates of the odds ratio. Matching is intended to eliminate confounding, however, the main potential benefit of matching in case-control studies is a gain in efficiency. Therefore, when are these study designs truly beneficial? Given all the potential drawbacks, including extra cost, added time for enrollment, and increased bias, the use of matching in case-control study designs warrants careful evaluation.