Exploring heterogeneity in meta-analyses: needs, resources and challenges.
The investigation of heterogeneity remains an essential but difficult issue in the conduct of meta-analysis. We reviewed standard and graphical methods used to explore heterogeneity in meta-analysis and publications from January 2005 to April 2007 regarding meta-analyses that focused on perinatal health topics. We assessed their approaches to the investigation of heterogeneity, including: (1) whether statistical testing for heterogeneity was performed and, if so, which test was used, (2) how a finding of statistically significant heterogeneity was handled, and (3) how the analyses were conducted in the presence of heterogeneity.
Xu
Hairong
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Platt
Robert W
RW
Luo
Zhong-Cheng
ZC
Wei
Shuqin
S
Fraser
William D
WD
D015982:Bias; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D018743:Perinatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D013223:Statistics as Topic / Q000379:methods*