Confidence intervals for two sample binomial distribution

This paper considers confidence intervals for the difference of two binomial proportions. Some currently used approaches are discussed. A new approach is proposed. Under several generally used criteria, these approaches are thoroughly compared. The widely used Wald confidence interval] (CI) is far from satisfactory, while the Newcombe's Cl, new recentered CI and score CI have very good performance. Recommendations for which approach is applicable under different situations are given. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.