Profile of Published Cochrane Systematic Reviews in Child Health From Low- and Middle-Income Countries

ABSTRACT

Objective: Setting priorities in health research is a challenge at the global and national levels.Use of evidence-based approach is uncommon and needs to be promoted in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). We describe profile of Cochrane systematic reviews focussing onparticipation from LMIC. Methods:We searched six Cochrane review groups producingreviews relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries for published Cochranesystematic reviews from 1 March, 2009 till 18 March, 2015 in the Cochrane Library. Results:A total of 669 Cochrane systematic reviews from six review groups were found. Lowproportion of lead authors from low- and middle-income countries was found in 4 out of 6review groups. About 50% of the reviews showed inconclusive evidence. 101/669 (15%)empty reviews were found needing more primary studies. Conclusions:The proportion ofCochrane authors from low- and middle-income countries is low. Capacity-building insystematic reviews and good quality primary research in these countries is warranted.