Extent of non-publication in cohorts of studies approved by research ethics committees or included in trial registries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The synthesis of published research in systematic reviews is essential when providing evidence to inform clinical and health policy decision-making. However, the validity of systematic reviews is threatened if journal publications represent a biased selection of all studies that have been conducted (dissemination bias). To investigate the extent of dissemination bias we conducted a systematic review that determined the proportion of studies published as peer-reviewed journal articles and investigated factors associated with full publication in cohorts of studies (i) approved by research ethics committees (RECs) or (ii) included in trial registries.

Methods and findings

Four bibliographic databases were searched for methodological research projects (MRPs) without l

SUBMITTER: Schmucker C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4275183 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature