Mediation analysis methods used in observational research: a scoping review and recommendations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mediation analysis methodology underwent many advancements throughout the years, with the most recent and important advancement being the development of causal mediation analysis based on the counterfactual framework. However, a previous review showed that for experimental studies the uptake of causal mediation analysis remains low. The aim of this paper is to review the methodological characteristics of mediation analyses performed in observational epidemiologic studies published between 2015 and 2019 and to provide recommendations for the application of mediation analysis in future studies.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for observational epidemiologic studies published between 2015 and 2019 in which mediation analysis was applied as one of

SUBMITTER: Rijnhart JJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8543973 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature