Determining the Explanatory Potential of Variables

Abstract

A meta-analysis may not be the most appropriate method for the extraction of information on independent variables from the scientific literature. A formal quantitative review method is proposed for reducing a literature review variable list to a manageable list of explanatory variables. The proposed method synthesizes the information in a standard literature review into two steps. First, the hypothesis "independent variable 'X' had no effect on utilization" is tested by means of binomial, one-sided testing. If it is rejected, then the hypothesis "The effect of independent variable 'X' is as likely to be in the same direction as it is to be in the opposite direction" is tested, by an extended version of the binomial formula. In two steps, the presence of a consistent direction of significant effects is calculated. This method is tested on dental utilization publications. It is concluded that the method is an effective tool for the creation of a manageable variable list.

Dental attendance by insurance status among adults in Tehran, Iran

“…Dental insurance, or third party payment, is positively related to an increase in the demand for, and utilisation of, dental care [1][2][3][4][5][6] . Oral diseases rarely put human life at risk, but the burden society incurs is largely due to the high cost of dental care, which is an also common reason for avoidance of dental visits 7,8 .…”