Analysis of Rates Using a Generalized Poisson Regression Model

In this paper a generalization of the Poisson regression model indexed by a shape parameter is proposed for the analysis of life table and follow‐up data with concomitant variables. The model is suitable for analysis of extra‐Poisson variation data. The model is used to fit the survival data given in Holford (1980). The model parameters, the hazard and survival functions are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood. The results obtained from this study seem to be comparable to those obtained by Chen (1988). Approximate tests of the dispersion and goodness‐of‐fit of the data to the model are also discussed.