Assessing Reporting Guidelines and Trial Registration in Pediatric Journals: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of reporting guideline and clinical trial registration requirements in the “instructions for authors” pages of pediatric journals since a previously completed 2010 publication. Study design: This cross-sectional study analyzed 100 peer-reviewed pediatric journals identified through the 2021 Scopus CiteSource tool. Two investigators independently reviewed journals’ “instructions for authors” pages on December 10, 2023, for references to the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, specific reporting guidelines, and clinical trial registration requirements. Results: Among the 100 journals analyzed, 33% (33/100) did not reference any specific reporting guidelines. Of the 98 journals assessed for clinical trial registration, 43% (42/98) failed to mention study registration. EQUATOR Network guidelines were mentioned by 39% (39/100) of journals, and ICMJE was referenced by 68% (68/100). CONSORT and PRISMA were the most cited reporting guidelines, mentioned by 52% (51/98) and 41% (41/100) of journals, respectively. In contrast, 95% (94/99) of journals did not reference meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology, and 99% (99/100) omitted quality of reporting of meta-analyses. Conclusion: Pediatric journals inadequately endorse reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration in their author instructions. These tools are critical for improving research quality, transparency, and reproducibility. Pediatric journals should strengthen publication policies to mandate these practices. Further research is needed to explore barriers and incentives for adoption to enhance integration into clinical research.