Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape with an Application to Analyse Blood Pressure Correlates in Namibia

Atanasia Katana Peneyambeko Bonge, University of Namibia
Lawrence Kazembe, University of Namibia
Lillian Pazvakawambwa, University of Namibia

The aim of this paper is to apply a Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) model, to analyze the distributive occurrences of blood pressure in Namibia. The model offers a flexible approach as it allows flexible modelling of the mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis. For the median parameter, blood pressure increased with age, BMI, glucose (SBP only) and haemoglobin (DBP only) levels. In relation to the latter finding, the frequency in blood pressure adults was higher among middle class, male adults residing in urban areas, with no level of education, and with a higher alcohol consumption rate. The findings presented a negative relationship between high blood pressure and weight, as well as height, the BMI and DBP observed in the scale parameter. With the shape parameter, high blood pressure was associated with no attainment of education (SBP), increased BMI and alcohol intake (DBP).