- Framework of problems / Comprehensive
- Ignores setting or context of included studies which limits review applicability
- Applicability and generalisability of the results of systematic reviews to public health practice and policy: a systematic review
| Ref ID | 15 |
| First Author | N. Ahmad |
| Journal | TRIALS [ELECTRONIC RESOURCE] |
| Year Of Publishing | 2010 |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2838881/pdf/1745-6215-11-20.pdf |
| Keywords |
Cochrane External validity Equity Public health Non-Cochrane reviews |
| Problem(s) |
Ignores setting or context of included studies which limits review applicability Individual study characteristics not reported sufficiently Cochrane reviews more rigorous/higher quality than non-Cochrane reviews Failure to consider equity, different socioeconomic groups or disadvantaged populations |
| Number of systematic reviews included | 98 |
| Summary of Findings | There was a lack of consideration of applicability of results in the 98 included systematic reviews of tobacco consumption and HIV infection. The setting of the individual studies was reported in 45 (46%) of the systematic reviews, the number of centres in 21 (21%), and the country where the trial took place in 62 (63%). Inclusion and exclusion criteria of the included studies were reported in 16 (16%) and 13 (13%) of the reviews, respectively. Baseline characteristics of participants in the included studies were described in 59 (60%) of the reviews. These characteristics concerned age in about half of the reviews, sex in 46 (47%), and ethnicity in 9 (9%). Applicability of results was discussed in 13 (13%) of the systematic reviews. The reporting was better in systematic reviews by the Cochrane Collaboration than by non-Cochrane groups. |
| Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? | Not Applicable |
| Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? | Yes |