Table 2.3 Summaries of JBI quality appraisal assessments-analytical cross-section study: quality assessment [21]

Q1. Were the criteria for inclusion in the sample clearly defined?

(Rationale: to minimise selection bias)

X

Q2. Were the study subjects and the setting described in detail?

✔

Q3. Was the exposure measured in a valid and reliable way?

(Rationale: to make sure that measurements of exposures are appropriate and can be repeated)

✔

Q4. Were objective, standard criteria used for measurement of the condition?

✔

Q5. Were confounding factors identified?

X

Q6. Were strategies to deal with confounding factors stated?

X

Q7. Were the outcomes measured in a valid and reliable way?

(Rationale: To minimise risks of weakening the validity and reliability of inferences about the statistical relationships between ‘cause’ and ‘effect’.)

✔

Q8. Was appropriate statistical analysis used?

(Rationale: to minimise errors of statistical inference.)

✔

Overall appraisal

E