Kevin L. Delucchi, Ph.D.

Professor
University of California, San Francisco
tel: (415) 476-4180
fax: (415) 476-7677
e-mail: kdelucchi@lppi.ucsf.edu
CV: (pdf format)

My primary research focus is on the application of appropriate statistical methodology to the analysis of data types commonly found in psychiatric research, with an emphasis on studies of addiction. Such data is characterized by relatively small samples measured at multiple times using many measures. Substantial attrition rates, dual-diagnosis of condition, reliance on self-reports, and multiple drug use are all common problems in such data. My interest centers around determining which statistical methods lead to sound, replicable conclusions when analyzing such data.

Two particular problems on which I am focusing are: 1) methods for the analysis of research results in the presence of missing data, and 2) procedures for the analysis of repeated measures in small samples. My current project addresses these questions by investigating five statistical methods using simulated data, and then confirms those results using real data over the course of four projects. Studies will compare the statistical properties of size and power for the analysis of a two-group longitudinal design, contrasting parametric and nonparametric tests on two summary statistics; individual Least-Squares Estimates of Slope and Pre-Post Change, with classic Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance, and a Unbalanced Repeated Measures Model using likelihood estimation. Conclusions from the simulations will be used to predict the behavior of each method as a function of the characteristics of the data set analyzed. Findings from these studies will improve the analysis of data from longitudinal clinical trials in all fields.

Selected Publications
Delucchi, K. L., Matzger, H., & Weisner, C (2008). Factors affecting 7-year alcohol consumption in young adults: Volume and binge frequency. Addictive Behaviors, 33, 134-142. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/4.addbeh.2007,04.027

Delucchi, K. L. (2004). Sample size estimation in research with dependent measures and dichotomous outcomes. American Journal of Public Health, 94, 372-377.

Delucchi, K.L. & Bostrom, A. (2004). Methods for analysis of skewed data distributions in psychiatric clinical studies: working with many zero values. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(7), 1159-68.

Delucchi, K. L., Matzger, H., & Weisner, C. (2004). Dependent and problem drinking over five years: A latent class growth analysis. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 74, 235-244.

Delucchi, K. L., Matzger, H., & Weisner, C. (2007). Factors affecting 7-year alcohol consumption in young adults: Volume and binge frequency. Addictive Behaviors, 33, 134-142.