An earlier version (version 5.0.2, 2008) of the Handbook is also published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd under “The Cochrane Book Series” Imprint, as Higgins JPT, Green S (editors), Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (ISBN 978-0470057964) by John Wiley & Sons Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8SQ, England, Telephone (+44) 1243 779777; Email (for orders and customer service enquiries): cs-books@wiley.co.uk. Visit their Home Page on www.wiley.com.

Chapter 8: Assessing risk of bias in included studies

Assessing Risk of Bias in Included Studies

The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement is used worldwide to improve the reporting of randomized, controlled trials. Schulz and colleagues describe the latest version, CONSORT 2010, which updates the reporting guideline based on new methodological evidence and accumulating experience.

/pdf/consort-2010-statement-updated-guidelines-for-reporting-2gsukgxz6c.pdf

CONSORT 2010 statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomized trials.

25. Multiple Imputation for Nonresponse in Surveys. By D. B. Rubin. ISBN 0 471 08705 X. Wiley, Chichester, 1987. 258 pp. £30.25.

Multiple Imputation for Nonresponse in Surveys

Statistical Analysis with Missing Data

Objectives To assess the methodological quality of intention to treat analysis as reported in randomised controlled trials in four large medical journals. Design Survey of all reports of randomised controlled trials published in 1997 in the BMJ,Lancet, JAMA, and

https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/319/7211/670.full.pdf

What is meant by intention to treat analysis? Survey of published randomised controlled trials

Active and passive smoking have been associated with an array of adverse effects on health. The development of valid and accurate scales of measurement for exposures associated with health risks constitutes an active area of research. Tobacco smoke exposure still lacks an ideal method of measurement. A valid estimation of the risks associated with tobacco exposure depends on accurate measurement. However, some groups of people are more reluctant than others to disclose their smoking status and exposure to tobacco. This is particularly true for pregnant women and parents of young children, whose smoking is often regarded as socially unacceptable. For others, recall of tobacco exposure may also prove difficult. Because relying on self-report and the various biases it introduces may lead to inaccurate measures of nicotine exposure, more objective solutions have been suggested. Biomarkers constitute the most commonly used objective method of ascertaining nicotine exposure. Of those available, cotinine has gained supremacy as the biomarker of choice. Traditionally, cotinine has been measured in blood, saliva, and urine. Cotinine collection and analysis from these sources has posed some difficulties, which have motivated the search for a more consistent and reliable source of this biomarker. Hair analysis is a novel, noninvasive technique used to detect the presence of drugs and metabolites in the hair shaft. Because cotinine accumulates in hair during hair growth, it is a unique measure of long-term, cumulative exposure to tobacco smoke. Although hair analysis of cotinine holds great promise, a detailed evaluation of its potential as a biomarker of nicotine exposure, is needed. No studies have been published that address this issue. Because the levels of cotinine in the body are dependent on nicotine metabolism, which in turn is affected by factors such as age and pregnancy, the characterization of hair cotinine should be population specific. This review aims at defining the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utilization of different methods used to estimate exposure to cigarette smoking and environmental tobacco smoke.

/pdf/methods-for-quantification-of-exposure-to-cigarette-smoking-5e73e9dg8m.pdf

Methods for quantification of exposure to cigarette smoking and environmental tobacco smoke: focus on developmental toxicology.

Recent epidemiological and social studies have increasingly pointed to the importance of drinking patterns in explaining consequences of alcohol consumption This paper presents recommendations for research in the area based on the presentations and discussions of the first "International Conference on Social and Health Effects of Different Drinking Patterns" held in Toronto in November 1995 In particular, the social dimension in pattern research, and the relationship between patterns of drinking and casualties as well as social harm, are stressed The paper also argues for better theories, incorporating knowledge from related basic disciplines In addition, we emphasize the need for improved methodologies and standardized methods for assessing drinking patterns Finally, implications of research on drinking patterns for policy and programme development are discussed

On the emerging paradigm of drinking patterns and their social and health consequences.

Tobacco taxation is an essential component of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. However, to fully realize the benefits it is vital to understand the impact of increased taxes among high-risk subpopulations. Are they influenced to the same extent as the general population? Do they need additional measures to influence smoking behavior? The objectives of this study were to synthesize the evidence regarding differential effects of taxation and price on smoking in: youth, young adults, persons of low socio-economic status, with dual diagnoses, heavy/long-term smokers, and Aboriginal people. Using a better practices approach, a knowledge synthesis was conducted using a systematic review of the literature and an expert advisory panel. Experts were involved in developing the study plan, discussing findings, developing policy recommendations, and identifying priorities for future research. Most studies found that raising cigarette prices through increased taxes is a highly effective measure for reducing smoking among youth, young adults, and persons of low socioeconomic status. However, there is a striking lack of evidence about the impact of increasing cigarette prices on smoking behavior in heavy/long-term smokers, persons with a dual diagnosis and Aboriginals. Given their high prevalence of smoking, urgent attention is needed to develop effective policies for the six subpopulations reviewed. These findings will be of value to policy-makers and researchers in their efforts to improve the effectiveness of tobacco control measures, especially with subpopulations at most risk. Although specific studies are needed, tobacco taxation is a key policy measure for driving success.

/pdf/effects-of-tobacco-taxation-and-pricing-on-smoking-behavior-53u1kz6cre.pdf

Effects of tobacco taxation and pricing on smoking behavior in high risk populations: a knowledge synthesis.

It is now well established that children's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) results in substantial public health and economic impacts. Children are more likely than adults to suffer health effects from ETS exposure, and the home is the most important site of such exposure.
  Although the responsibility and authority of the community and health professionals to protect children from harm are entrenched in North American society, social, economic, legal, and political factors contribute to a lower level of support for ETS control measures in homes compared with workplaces and public places. It is now clear that ETS control in home environments must be a priority on the public health agenda. Programme and policy options and strategies for ETS control in home environments are outlined. We conclude that the current research base is inadequate to fully support programme and policy development in this area and priorities for research are identified.


Keywords: environmental tobacco smoke; homes; children

https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/tobaccocontrol/7/1/61.full.pdf

Roberta Ferrence

Papers

What is meant by intention to treat analysis? Survey of published randomised controlled trials

Methods for quantification of exposure to cigarette smoking and environmental tobacco smoke: focus on developmental toxicology.

On the emerging paradigm of drinking patterns and their social and health consequences.

Effects of tobacco taxation and pricing on smoking behavior in high risk populations: a knowledge synthesis.

Reducing children’s exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in homes: issues and strategies