Abstract
Background: Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late-stage sequelae of age-related macular degeneration. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are often referenced for disease management, and these documents should provide culturally appropriate guidelines to ensure equitable care. It is unknown whether GA specific SRMAs reflect these needs, thus our meta-epidemiological study aims to fill this knowledge gap by applying the PROGRESS-Plus analysis to current literature.
Methods: To identify eligible SRMAs, we conducted a systematic search of three databases. Two researchers were assigned the task of identifying GA associated literature in a masked and duplicative fashion. Data was then analyzed by two additional researchers following the PROGRESS-PLUS framework with the inclusion of Place, Race/ethnicity, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Social capital, and Socioeconomic status (SES), and other characteristics of the SRMAs. Any conflicts with data identification or analysis were reconciled via discussion.
Results: In the initial search, 176 articles returned, of which 119 were excluded due to replication or irrelevance to GA. Of the remaining 57 studies, 26 (45.6%) did not include any PROGRESS-Plus items. It was noted that equity items were reported less in SRMAs conducted within the US (31.3%, 5/16) compared to other countries (63.4%, 26/41), which held statistical significance (P=.028). The most commonly included equity items were age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Other study characteristics were not significantly associated with the inclusion of equity items.
Conclusions: Among the PROGRESS-PLUS items reported within SRMAs, our study found that among many factors, education and SES were consistently lacking. Currently, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is taking on novel initiatives to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field. Equitable reporting within SRMAs is essential for understanding precipitating factors of ophthalmologic disease and ensuring the improvement of comprehensive treatment for future patients.
Methods: To identify eligible SRMAs, we conducted a systematic search of three databases. Two researchers were assigned the task of identifying GA associated literature in a masked and duplicative fashion. Data was then analyzed by two additional researchers following the PROGRESS-PLUS framework with the inclusion of Place, Race/ethnicity, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Social capital, and Socioeconomic status (SES), and other characteristics of the SRMAs. Any conflicts with data identification or analysis were reconciled via discussion.
Results: In the initial search, 176 articles returned, of which 119 were excluded due to replication or irrelevance to GA. Of the remaining 57 studies, 26 (45.6%) did not include any PROGRESS-Plus items. It was noted that equity items were reported less in SRMAs conducted within the US (31.3%, 5/16) compared to other countries (63.4%, 26/41), which held statistical significance (P=.028). The most commonly included equity items were age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Other study characteristics were not significantly associated with the inclusion of equity items.
Conclusions: Among the PROGRESS-PLUS items reported within SRMAs, our study found that among many factors, education and SES were consistently lacking. Currently, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is taking on novel initiatives to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field. Equitable reporting within SRMAs is essential for understanding precipitating factors of ophthalmologic disease and ensuring the improvement of comprehensive treatment for future patients.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 62 |
| State | Published - 16 Feb 2024 |
| Event | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2024 - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States Duration: 13 Feb 2024 → 17 Feb 2024 https://medicine.okstate.edu/research/research_days.html |
Conference
| Conference | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2024 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Tulsa |
| Period | 13/02/24 → 17/02/24 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- geographic atrophy
- equitable reporting
- PROGRESS-Plus