Analysing N-of-1 observational data in health psychology and behavioural medicine: a 10-step SPSS tutorial for beginners

• Main Authors: Suzanne McDonald, Rute Vieira, Derek W. Johnston
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2020-01-01
• Series: Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Subjects: n-of-1; single-case study; observational; statistical analysis; dynamic regression modelling
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2019.1711096

Background: N-of-1 observational studies can be used to describe natural intra-individual changes in health-related behaviours or symptoms over time, to test behavioural theories and to develop highly personalised health interventions. To date, N-of-1 observational methods have been under-used in health psychology and behavioural medicine. One reason for this may be the perceived complexity of statistical analysis of N-of-1 data. Objective: This tutorial paper describes a 10-step procedure for the analysis of N-of-1 observational data using dynamic regression modelling in SPSS for researchers, students and clinicians who are new to this area. The 10-step procedure is illustrated using real data from an N-of-1 observational study exploring the relationship between pain and physical activity. Conclusion: The availability of a user-friendly and robust statistical technique for the analysis of N-of-1 data using SPSS may foster increased awareness, knowledge and skills and establish N-of-1 designs as a useful methodological tool in health psychology and behavioural medicine.