Analysis on Korean academic journals on oral health education for elementary school students under the Strengthening the reporting of observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze Korean academic journals on oral health education for elementary school students, by applying ‘Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)’. Based on the reporting guidelines, this study seeks to explore ways to improve the observational quality of a study report. A total of 316 potential relevant papers on oral health for elementary school students, published in domestic articles from the 1970s to July 2016, were screened. Of these, 35 articles were selected according to the eligibility criteria. The selected papers were analyzed by the 27 evaluation items in 6 areas of the STROBE, categorized into three groups – inclusion (yes), partial inclusion (partly), and exclusion (no). The item-specific report guidelines were qualitatively analyzed by introducing a 5-point scale form to the scope of inclusion. Of the 27 items analyzed in total, 14 (51.9%) STROBE items were categorized at least 50% (fair) or higher in the 5-point scale. Five (18.5%) items showed 20~49% (insufficient) inclusion: these include data source and analysis method, study size, and variable-explanation in the methods area; descriptive data in the result area; and conclusion-generalization or suggestion in the discussion area. Qualities in 8 (29.6%) items had less than 20% (much insufficient) inclusion: criteria for participant selection, and source and method (Item 6a) in the method area; bias-source and disruption variable (Item 9), statistical methods- analysis plan according to study purpose (Item 12a), number of participants in the result area – systematic classification (Item 13a) and flow diagram (Item 13c), final results (Item 16a), continuous variable-categorization (Item 16b) and funding in the other information area (Item 22). Based on the above findings, it is necessary that in future, observational study reports that require improvement need to be described according to the STROBE, and thus elevate the quality of a research report.