Calculating prevalence of hepatitis B in India: Using population weights to look for publication bias in conventional meta-analysis.
Indian J Pediatr
;
2009 Dec; 76(12): 1247-1257
Artigo
em Inglês
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-142452
ABSTRACT
Publication bias can result from the propensity of researchers to document what is unusual. This can distort the inferences drawn in systematic reviews. To measure the distortion, it has been suggested that a second analysis be done; using weights proportional to the size of the population from which the samples are drawn. We re-evaluate data from a published meta-analysis on prevalence of hepatitis B in India, to see how this approach alters the results. Prevalence of hepatitis B among tribal and non-tribal populations in different States was analyzed. Weights were then assigned according to population of the State. The overall country prevalence was then calculated. Using population-weights it is estimated that the point-prevalence of hepatitis B among non-tribal populations is 3.07% [95% CI 2.5 - 3.64]. Among tribal populations it is 11.85% (CI 10.76 -12.93). Overall prevalence was 3.70 (CI 3.17 -4.24) (corresponding to a chronic carrier rate of 2.96%). The present analysis using population-weights has resulted in the estimated prevalence among non tribal populations increasing by 24% and that among tribal populations decreasing by 25.5% when compared to figures of the metaanalysis published earlier. The advantages and drawbacks of this procedure are discussed.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
IMSEAR (Sudeste Asiático)
Assunto principal:
Humanos
/
Características de Residência
/
Metanálise como Assunto
/
Prevalência
/
Interpretação Estatística de Dados
/
Viés de Publicação
/
Grupos Populacionais
/
Hepatite B
/
Índia
Tipo de estudo:
Estudo de prevalência
/
Fatores de risco
/
Revisões Sistemáticas Avaliadas
País/Região como assunto:
Ásia
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Indian J Pediatr
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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