A Cross-Sectional Study on the Endorsement of Reporting Guidelines by Journals in Geriatrics and Gerontology

The use of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration policies by academic journals reduces bias and improves transparency in clinical research. It is unknown whether geriatric and gerontology journals mention, recommend, or require their use for the studies they may potentially publish. The purpose of this study is to assess the submission guidelines of the top geriatric and gerontology journals for their editorial recommendation or requirement of predetermined reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration.

Using the 2021 Scopus CiteScore tool, we identified the top 100 journals in the "Geriatrics and Gerontology" subcategory. We reviewed each journal's "Instructions to Authors" for references to reporting guidelines commonly used for various study designs, categorizing them as "Not Mentioned," "Recommended," "Does Not Require," or "Required." Additionally, we assessed how each journal addressed clinical trial registration using the same classification system.

Among the 100 journals reviewed, none referenced the QUOROM statement. In contrast, the CONSORT statement was the most frequently mentioned, with 44 journals (44%) recommending or requiring its use. PRISMA guidelines were omitted by 57 journals (57%), while study registration was recommended or required by 92 journals (92%).

The recommendation or requirement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration in the top 100 geriatric and gerontology journals is inconsistent. Journal editors should strongly recommend that authors follow reporting guidelines to reduce potential bias and improve transparency in the articles they publish.