Quantifying Publication Bias in Meta-Analysis

Publication bias is a serious problem in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which can affect the validity and generalization of conclusions. Currently, approaches to dealing with publication bias can be distinguished into two classes: selection models and funnel-plot-based methods. Selection models use weight functions to adjust the overall effect size estimate and are usually employed as sensitivity analyses to assess the potential impact of publication bias. Funnel-plot-based methods include visual examination of a funnel plot, regression and rank tests, and the nonparametric trim and fill method. Although these approaches have been widely used in applications, measures for quantifying publication bias…

• UO
  University of Minnesota
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Awards: NIDCR R03 DE024750, U01 DK106786, NLM R21 LM012197, R21 AI103012