Overadjustment bias in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of socio-economic inequalities in health: a meta-research scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Overadjustment bias occurs when researchers adjust for an explanatory variable on the causal pathway from exposure to outcome, which leads to biased estimates of the causal effect of the exposure. This meta-research review aimed to examine how previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses of socio-economic inequalities in health have managed overadjustment bias.

Methods

We searched Medline and Embase until 16 April 2021 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies on associations between individual-level socio-economic position and health outcomes in any population. A set of criteria were developed to examine methodological approaches to overadjustment bias adopted by included reviews (rated Yes/No/Somewhat/Unclear).

Results

Eighty-four

SUBMITTER: van Zwieten A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10859162 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature