Table 1 Quality assessment scale
Element | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
Study design | 1.1 | The study design is clearly stated |
1.2 | The objectives/purpose of the study is clearly defined | |
1.3 | The design of the study adequately tests the hypothesis | |
Sample characteristics | 2.1 | The criteria for the inclusion of participants are clearly described |
2.2 | The characteristics of the population is clearly described | |
2.3 | The study sample is representative of the population intended to the study | |
2.4 | A description of how the study size was arrived at is provided | |
Methodology | 3.1 | The testing methods are clearly described |
3.2 | The measurement tools used are valid and reliable | |
3.3 | The statistical methods used well described | |
3.4 | The statistical tests used to analyse the data are appropriate | |
Results and discussion | 4.1 | The results are well described |
4.2 | The information provided in the paper is sufficient to allow a reader to make an unbiased assessment of the findings of the study | |
4.3 | Confounding factors are identified | |
4.4 | Sponsorships/conflicts of interest are acknowledged | |
4.5 | Any limitations to the study are identified |