Bayesian jackknife empirical likelihood-based inference for missing data and causal inference

Abstract

Missing data reduce the representativeness of the sample and can lead to inference problems. In this article, we apply the Bayesian jackknife empirical likelihood (BJEL) method for inference on data that are missing at random, as well as for causal inference. The semiparametric fractional imputation estimator, propensity score-weighted estimator, and doubly robust estimator are used for constructing the jackknife pseudo values, which are needed for conducting BJEL-based inference with missing data. Existing methods, such as normal approximation and JEL, are compared with the BJEL approach in a simulation study. The proposed approach shows better performance in many scenarios in terms of credible intervals. Furthermore, we demonstrate the application of the proposed approach for causal inference problems in a study of risk factors for impaired kidney function.