Use of log-skew-normal distribution in analysis of continuous data with a discrete component at zero.

The problem of analyzing a continuous variable with a discrete component is addressed within the framework of the mixture model proposed by Moulton and Halsey (Biometrics 1995; 51:1570-1578). The model can be generalized by the introduction of the log-skew-normal distribution for the continuous component, and the fit can be significantly improved by its use, while retaining the interpretation of regression parameter estimates. Simulation studies and application to a real data set are used for demonstration. 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd