Modelling multiple sources of dissemination bias in meta-analysis.
Asymmetry in the funnel plot for a meta-analysis suggests the presence of dissemination bias. This may be caused by publication bias through the decisions of journal editors, by selective reporting of research results by authors or by a combination of both. Typically, study results that are statistically significant or have larger estimated effect sizes are more likely to appear in the published literature, hence giving a biased picture of the evidence-base. Previous statistical approaches for addressing dissemination bias have assumed only a single selection mechanism. Here we consider a more realistic scenario in which multiple dissemination processes, involving both the publishing authors and journals, are operating. In practical applications, the methods can be used to provide sensitivity analyses for the potential effects of multiple dissemination biases operating in meta-analysis.
Bowden
Jack
J
MRC Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Public Health, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SR, U.K. jack.bowden@mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk
Jackson
Dan
D
Thompson
Simon G
SG
D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056808:Biostatistics; D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D035081:Editorial Policies; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017594:Publication Bias / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012196:Review Literature as Topic
D001241:Aspirin