Sample size calculations for logistic and Poisson regression models

Abstract

A method is proposed for improving sample size calculations for logistic and Poisson regression models by incorporating the limiting value of the maximum likelihood estimates of nuisance parameters under the composite null hypothesis. The method modifies existing approaches of Whittemore (1981) and Signorini (1991) and provides explicit formulae for determining the sample size needed to test hypotheses about a single parameter at a specified significance level and power. Simulation studies assess its accuracy for various model configurations and covariate distributions. The results show that the proposed method is more accurate than the previous approaches over the range of conditions considered here.