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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
05:02
Comparing Bibliometric Analysis Using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Databases
Published on: October 24, 2019
[Practical considerations on detection of publication bias]
Silvia Palma Pérez1, Miguel Delgado Rodríguez
1Area de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, España.
Gaceta Sanitaria
|April 17, 2007
Summary
Publication bias threatens meta-analysis validity. Simple methods like funnel plots and Egger
Area of Science:
- Bibliometrics and Research Methodology
- Evidence Synthesis and Meta-Analysis
Context:
- Publication bias is a significant threat to the reliability of meta-analysis findings.
- While guidelines like MOOSE and QUOROM recommend addressing publication bias, adherence varies among meta-analyses.
- Comprehensive search strategies may be a reason for non-adherence, but do not eliminate the risk of bias.
Purpose:
- To determine if publication bias assessment is necessary in meta-analyses.
- To identify practical procedures for detecting publication bias without complex statistics.
- To outline factors crucial for interpreting the results of bias detection methods.
Summary:
- Publication bias must be assessed in meta-analyses as it can compromise validity.
- Accessible methods include funnel plots, trim and fill, and regression-based techniques (e.g., Egger's method).
- Multiple methods should be used due to poor agreement; results require careful interpretation considering study number (>10) and heterogeneity.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of proactively assessing publication bias in meta-analyses.
- Provides researchers with straightforward methods to detect and estimate publication bias.
- Emphasizes the need for cautious interpretation of meta-analysis results, considering potential biases and study characteristics.
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01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
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01:13Accuracy and Errors in Hypothesis Testing
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01:31Confirmation Biases
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