Exponential Stayability Model with Censoring and Covariates

Abstract

This paper presents a method of estimating exponential survival distributions where the expected survival time is linear in several independent variables. A modification, applying the exponential cumulative distribution function, is made to handle data where not all individuals have an observed time of death. Data of this type are referred to as censored because not all individuals have been given the opportunity to die. Parameters of the linear function are estimated by maximum likelihood. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methodology are illustrated through a small simulated example.