Software

dtms: a Stata package for the estimation of discrete-time multistate models

Abstract

The dtms package provides a suite of commands for multistate estimation in discrete time. Among its features are the following: A) a framework for organizing and saving intermediate and final results; B) up to 9 states; C) automated and fast generation of transition probabilities and their covariance matrices; D) calculation of state expectancies, mean age at first incidence, and lifetime risk; E) all results can be calculated analytically or by means of simulation; F) asymptotic covariance matrices for all analytically calculated results; G) comparisons of any number of results based on a combined covariance matrix; H) time rewards for flexible timing of transitions; I) generation of data sets with simulated trajectories; J) externally supplied results (e.g., transition probabilities, simulated data) can be processed further.

The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It's part of the Max Planck Society, the internationally renowned German research society.