Nelson–Aalen estimator

The Nelson–Aalen estimator is a non-parametric estimator of the cumulative hazard rate function in case of censored data or incomplete data.^[1] It is used in survival theory, reliability engineering and life insurance to estimate the cumulative number of expected events. An "event" can be the failure of a non-repairable component, the death of a human being, or any occurrence for which the experimental unit remains in the "failed" state (e.g., death) from the point at which it changed on. The estimator is given by

$\tilde{H}(t)=\sum_{t_i\leq t}\frac{d_i}{n_i},$

with $d_i$ the number of events at $t_i$ and $n_i$ the total individuals at risk at $t_i$.^[2]

The curvature of the Nelson–Aalen estimator gives an idea of the hazard rate shape. A concave shape is an indicator for infant mortality while a convex shape indicates wear out mortality.

It can be used for example when testing the homogeneity of Poisson processes.^[3]

See also

• Kaplan–Meier estimator

References

1. "Kaplan–Meier and Nelson–Aalen Estimators".
2. "Kaplan–Meier Survival Estimates".
3. Kysely, Jan; Picek, Jan; Beranova, Romana (2010). "Estimating extremes in climate change simulations using the peaks-over-threshold method with a non-stationary threshold". Global and Planetary Change 72 (1-2): 55–68. doi:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2010.03.006.

Further reading

• Jones, Andrew M.; Rice, Nigel; D'Uva, Teresa Bago; Balia, Silvia (2013). "Duration Data". Applied Health Economics. London: Routledge. pp. 139–181. ISBN 978-0-415-67682-3.

External links