IntroductionPRISMA statement was published in 2009 in order to set standards in the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of PRISMA endorsement on the quality of reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, published in journals in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology (GH).MethodsQuality of reporting and methodological quality were evaluated by assessing the adherence of papers to PRISMA checklist and AMSTAR quality scale. After identifying the GH journals which endorsed PRISMA in instructions for authors (IA), we appraised: 15 papers published in 2012 explicitly mentioning PRISMA in the full text (Group A); 15 papers from the same journals published in 2012 not explicitly mentioning PRISMA in the full text (Group B); 30 papers published the year preceding PRISMA endorsement from the same journals as above (Group C); 30 papers published in 2012 on the 10 highest impact factor journals in GH which not endorsed PRISMA (Group D).ResultsPRISMA statement was referred in the IA in 9 out of 70 GH journals (12.9%). We found significant increase in overall adherence to PRISMA checklist (Group A, 90.1%; Group C, 83.1%; p = 0.003) and compliance to AMSTAR scale (Group A, 85.0%; Group C, 74.6%; p = 0.002), following the PRISMA endorsement from the nine GH journals. Explicit referencing of PRISMA in manuscript was not associated with increase in quality of reporting and methodological quality (Group A vs. B, p = 0.651, p = 0.900, respectively). Adherence to PRISMA checklist, and the compliance with AMSTAR were significantly higher in journals endorsing PRISMA compared to those not (Groups A+B vs. D; p = 0.003 and p = 0.016, respectively).ConclusionThe endorsement of PRISMA resulted in increase of both quality of reporting and methodological quality. It is advised that an increasing number of medical journals include PRISMA in the instructions for authors.
Introduction: PRISMA statement was published in 2009 in order to set standards in the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of PRISMA endorsement on the quality of reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, published in journals in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology (GH).
Aim
This study evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of Italian mothers – whose
daughters had been vaccinated in 2012 – towards primary (anti-HPV
vaccination) and secondary (Pap test screening) cervical cancer prevention,
as well as sources of information and mother-daughter communication on
health issues.
Methods
The survey – part of a multicenter study carried out in 4 Italian cities
(Ferrara, Rome, Cassino and Palermo) – was conducted through
self-administered questionnaires. The first univariate analysis evaluated
differences between mothers of under-18s and over-18s relative to knowledge
and attitudes on HPV vaccination and Pap test. The second univariate
analysis evaluated differences between the 2 groups of mothers and possible
geographical variations regarding the sources of information on HPV and Pap
test.
Results
The sample proved knowledgeable about the correlation between HPV and
cervical cancer (>85%) but less aware of other HPV-related diseases. HPV
vaccination should be administered before first sexual intercourse according
to mothers of over-18s, and to 14- to 17-year-olds according to mothers of
under-18s. Up to 88% of mothers of under-18s and 80% of mothers of over-18s
declared that the vaccine should be given free of charge. More mothers of
under-18s consulted a general practitioner (GP) or gynecologist before
deciding to vaccinate their daughters. Mothers of under-18s received
information on HPV vaccination mainly from GPs and gynecologists, while
mothers of over-18s were informed through TV and books/journals. Over 80% of
the sample declared satisfaction with the information received from their
gynecologist during the Pap test.
Conclusions
The findings provide useful information for the development of effective
public health interventions that may help improve acceptance of HPV
vaccination among mothers.
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