The reporting and handling of missing data in longitudinal studies of older adults is suboptimal: a methodological survey of geriatric journals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Missing data are common in longitudinal studies, and more so, in studies of older adults, who are susceptible to health and functional decline that limit completion of assessments. We assessed the extent, current reporting, and handling of missing data in longitudinal studies of older adults.

Methods

Medline and Embase databases were searched from 2015 to 2019 for publications on longitudinal observational studies conducted among persons ≥55 years old. The search was restricted to 10 general geriatric journals published in English. Reporting and handling of missing data were assessed using questions developed from the recommended standards. Data were summarised descriptively as frequencies and proportions.

Results

A total of 165 studies were included in the

SUBMITTER: Okpara C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9040343 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature