Local hazard models.

"We introduce a class of local hazard models that maintain parametric assumptions locally rather than globally. These models allow estimation of a flexible baseline hazard rate and nonproportional covariate effects. Recently developed local likelihood methods, which generalize maximum likelihood methods, can be used to estimate these models. We illustrate these techniques by estimating two local hazard models of first marriage--a local exponential model and a local Gompertz model--from data in the June 1980 [U.S.] Current Population Survey. We also compare results of the local hazard models with those of Cox's model, an exponential model, a piecewise exponential model, and a piecewise Gompertz model. Estimates for the local exponential and local Gompertz models agree closely with nonparametric estimates for various subgroups. Moreover, results of the local models provide interesting substantive insights into the process of first marriage that are not easily obtained from global models." excerpt