Statistical inference in the Lexis diagram

Abstract

The Lexis diagram is a (time, age) coordinate system, representing individual lives by line segments of unit slope, joining (time, age) of birth and death. The main theme of this paper is non-parametric continuous-time statistical analysis on the Lexis diagram, where I indicate some possible approaches within modern survival analysis. I also introduce the history of the diagram, point processes on the diagram, and the classical statistical approach based on piecewise constant intensities. The Lexis diagram is also useful for describing morbidity, and the methodology is illustrated by two Danish studies of diabetes incidence.