Table 2 Five criteria used in quality assessment (61 studies)
Quality criterion | Definition | Percentage of all papers meeting criteria (%) |
|---|---|---|
1 | Data collection methods are thoroughly explained, clear and replicable | 68.9 (42 papers) |
2 | Sample size is well explained and representative of the population | 54.1 (33 papers) |
3 | Qualitative or quantitative analysis methods are thoroughly explained, clear and replicable; key terms and variables are well defined | 70.5 (43 papers) |
4 | Results/conclusions are logically derived and supported by presented evidence | 80.3 (49 papers) |
5 | Confounding factors are considered and well explained | 54.1 (33 papers) |