Application of statistical methods in the papers published in the East African Medical Journal (EAMJ) since 1923

The subject Statistics was hardly known in the research world at the time the EAMJ was being started in 1923. It was at this time, scientists working in their field of specialization were busy developing statistical methods with the aim of solving problems affecting them in their research work. Using a random sample of some of the papers published by the EAMJ, this paper evaluates the usage of statistical methods since 1923. Usage was very low before 1965, but started picking-up with a rising trend since then but still not impressive. Scientists should strive to apply statistical methods correctly in their research work. EAMJ should lay more emphasis on statistical refereeing as a policy to raise the quality of published papers in the Journal. If statisticians were not available, which often may be the case, scientists should be encouraged to show their work to other research colleagues working in similar areas, before sending the paper to the EAMJ. By adopting this approach, it is possible that the quality of papers will go up and the usage of statistical methods will increase.