Multiple mediation is crucial for several reasons:
1. Complex Interactions: Health outcomes are rarely influenced by a single pathway. Multiple mediation allows the examination of several intermediary mechanisms simultaneously. 2. Identifying Key Mediators: It helps in pinpointing which mediators are most significant in the pathway, thus informing targeted interventions. 3. Understanding Total Effects: This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the total effect of an exposure, breaking it down into direct and indirect effects through multiple mediators.
