Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in drowning epidemiology (STROBE-D): a protocol for an extension...

Drowning remains a substantial global health challenge, and research in this area predominantly relies on observational study designs due to ethical, practical and administrative limitations. Although the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement is available, adherence within the drowning research community has been inconsistent and frequently incomplete. Consequently, essential methodological components and drowning-specific factors are often under-reported or inconsistently described, impeding quality, reproducibility, critical appraisal and evidence synthesis.

This protocol outlines the development of an extension to the STROBE statement, specifically for reporting observational studies in drowning epidemiology (STROBE-D). The proposed extension aims to provide structured guidance for authors, reviewers and editors, thereby enhancing the clarity, transparency and comparability of reporting practices.

The development of the STROBE-D statement will follow established recommendations and methodological frameworks for guideline creation. The process will include a scoping review and initial draft preparation, a two-round modified Delphi process using surveys with multidisciplinary and international expert participation, an expert consensus meeting to finalise the content and manuscript, public comment with interest-holder involvement and a final revision before submission for peer review.

The Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Region Zealand of Denmark waived the need for ethical approval as this is a consensus study (EMN-2025-09099). Findings will be disseminated through open access peer-reviewed publications, targeted communication through professional networks, conferences and social media platforms. The STROBE-D statement will serve as an extension to the STROBE statement, specifically tailored to observational studies in drowning epidemiology to improve consistency and transparency. Simultaneous publications of the original STROBE-D statement and the accompanying explanation and elaboration paper will be pursued in line with existing best practices.