Regression – Interpretation of Regression Coefficient of a Proportion Type Independent Variable

logisticregression

If I want to use some proportion type independent variables in a logistic regression, then what will be the interpretation of the regression coefficients corresponding to those proportion type variables? Will that mean- "The change in log odds for per unit change in the proportions"?

But what will be meant by "per unit change" in this case? As the proportions lie within [0,1], I am getting a little confused with what a "per unit change" will mean in this scale. Does it mean 0.01 or 1%? (I am sorry for my noob thoughts!)

In my data the range of the proportions is 0 to 1, not multiplied by 100. Do I need to multiply them by 100? So that I can say "per unit change" means 1% change? I have seen that the coefficients do differ in scale if I multiply the proportions by 100. For example, a coefficient of -1.3 for proportions becomes -0.013 for percentages (when the proportions are multiplied by 100).

Best Answer

The interpretation for the regression coefficient is always for a 1 unit change regardless of what a "unit" is. In your case, if the IV is a proportion falling between 0 and 1, a one unit change is the same as 100%.

If instead you want to look at the "effect" of a 1% change, simply multiply your IV by 100 before using it in the regression.