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COSMOS-E: Guidance on conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies of etiology

Author

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  • Olaf M Dekkers
  • Jan P Vandenbroucke
  • Myriam Cevallos
  • Andrew G Renehan
  • Douglas G Altman
  • Matthias Egger

Abstract

Background: To our knowledge, no publication providing overarching guidance on the conduct of systematic reviews of observational studies of etiology exists. Methods and findings: Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies of Etiology (COSMOS-E) provides guidance on all steps in systematic reviews of observational studies of etiology, from shaping the research question, defining exposure and outcomes, to assessing the risk of bias and statistical analysis. The writing group included researchers experienced in meta-analyses and observational studies of etiology. Standard peer-review was performed. While the structure of systematic reviews of observational studies on etiology may be similar to that for systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials, there are specific tasks within each component that differ. Examples include assessment for confounding, selection bias, and information bias. In systematic reviews of observational studies of etiology, combining studies in meta-analysis may lead to more precise estimates, but such greater precision does not automatically remedy potential bias. Thorough exploration of sources of heterogeneity is key when assessing the validity of estimates and causality. Conclusion: As many reviews of observational studies on etiology are being performed, this document may provide researchers with guidance on how to conduct and analyse such reviews. In a Guidelines and Guidance article, Olaf Dekkers and colleagues discuss COSMOS-E, in which they aim to provide guidance for those performing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies addressing etiology.

Suggested Citation

  • Olaf M Dekkers & Jan P Vandenbroucke & Myriam Cevallos & Andrew G Renehan & Douglas G Altman & Matthias Egger, 2019. "COSMOS-E: Guidance on conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies of etiology," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(2), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pmed00:1002742
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002742
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    1. Miranda e Paulo, Djessyca & Navarro de Oliveira, Murilo & de Andrade Vieira, Walbert & Flores-Mir, Carlos & Pithon, Matheus Melo & Bittencourt, Marcos Alan Vieira & Paranhos, Luiz Renato, 2022. "Impact of malocclusion on bullying in school children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    2. Nicholas John Dean & Christopher Pastras & Daniel Brown & Aaron Camp, 2019. "Are viral-infections associated with Ménière’s Disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis of molecular-markers of viral-infection in case-controlled observational studies of MD," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(11), pages 1-23, November.
    3. Davide, Di Fonzo & Alessandra, Fabri & Roberto, Pasetto, 2022. "Distributive justice in environmental health hazards from industrial contamination: A systematic review of national and near-national assessments of social inequalities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 297(C).
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    6. Yara Shoman & Valentin Rousson & Renzo Bianchi & Irina Guseva Canu, 2022. "Holistic Assessment of Factors Associated with Exhaustion, the Main Symptom of Burnout: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-21, October.
    7. Aina Gabarrell-Pascuet & Helena García-Mieres & Iago Giné-Vázquez & Maria Victoria Moneta & Ai Koyanagi & Josep Maria Haro & Joan Domènech-Abella, 2023. "The Association of Social Support and Loneliness with Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-25, February.
    8. Rafael del-Pino-Casado & Emilia Priego-Cubero & Catalina López-Martínez & Vasiliki Orgeta, 2021. "Subjective caregiver burden and anxiety in informal caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-20, March.
    9. Pamela Di Giovanni & Giuseppe Di Martino & Piera Scampoli & Fabrizio Cedrone & Francesca Meo & Giuseppe Lucisano & Ferdinando Romano & Tommaso Staniscia, 2020. "Arsenic Exposure and Risk of Urothelial Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-11, April.
    10. Matthew J Page & Joanne E McKenzie & Patrick M Bossuyt & Isabelle Boutron & Tammy C Hoffmann & Cynthia D Mulrow & Larissa Shamseer & Jennifer M Tetzlaff & Elie A Akl & Sue E Brennan & Roger Chou & Jul, 2021. "The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, March.

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