Table 3 Quality assessment checklist
18-Criteria checklist | Number of studies saying yes | Number of studies saying no |
|---|---|---|
1. Is the hypothesis/aim/objective of the study stated clearly in the abstract, introduction, or methods section? | 10 | 0 |
2. Are the characteristics of the participants included in the study described? | 10 | 0 |
3. Were the cases collected in more than one center? | 2 | 8 |
4. Are the eligibility criteria (inclusion and exclusion criteria) for entry into the study explicit and appropriate? | 10 | 0 |
5. Were participants recruited consecutively? | 7 | 3 |
6. Did participants enter the study at a similar point in the disease? | 8 | 2 |
7. Was the intervention clearly described in the study? | 10 | 0 |
8. Were additional interventions (co-interventions) clearly reported in the study? | 10 | 0 |
9. Are the outcome measures clearly defined in the introduction or methods section? | 10 | 0 |
10. Were relevant outcomes appropriately measured with objective and/or subjective methods? | 9 | 1 |
11. Were outcomes measured before and after intervention? | 8 | 2 |
12. Were the statistical tests used to assess the relevant outcomes appropriate? | 7 | 3 |
13. Was the length of follow-up reported? | 5 | 5 |
14. Was the loss to follow-up reported? | 10 | 0 |
15. Does the study provide estimates of the random variability in the data analysis of relevant outcomes? | 8 | 2 |
16. Are adverse events reported? | 10 | 0 |
17. Are the conclusions of the study supported by results? | 10 | 0 |
18. Are both competing interests and sources of support for the study reported? | 10 | 0 |