VIF for dichotmous variable

[Scheltema, Karen]

I have a colleague who has run a backwards stepwise linear regression.  A couple of the variables are problematic.  One is a dichotomous variable that indicates trying to get pregnant (y/n) and the other is a continuous variable that is a scale score.  It is believed that the two interact with each other.  In the initial run, the scale was centered, but the dichotomous variable was not.  This yielded high VIFs (>100) in the initial regression equation, but the scale dropped out by the latter stages of the stepwise regression.  I suggested centering the dichotomous variable, as well, but this yielded VIFs>300 in the initial steps.  Since this scale variables drops out later, can I just ignore this?  Or, can someone suggest another solution to try?        Karen Scheltema, M.A, M.S. Senior Statistician HealthEast Research and Education Department, Midway Campus 1700 University Ave W St. Paul, MN 55104 Ph: (651) 232-5212   fax: (651) 641-0683 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]   The information included in this e-mail message, including any attachments, is intended only for the person or organization to which it is addressed. This e-mail message may contain information that is privileged or confidential. If you receive this e-mail message and are not the intended recipient or responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you may not use, disseminate, distribute or copy the information included in this e-mail and any attachments. If you received this e-mail message by mistake, please reply by e-mail and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments. Thank you.