Titre :
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Traditional reviews, meta-analyses and pooled analyses in epidemiology. (1999)
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Auteurs :
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M. BLETTNER ;
C. FRIEDENREICH ;
W. SAUERBREI ;
T. SCHEUCHENPFLUG ;
B. SCHLEHOFER ;
German Cancer Research Center. Division of Epidemiology. Heidelberg. DEU
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Type de document :
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Article
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Dans :
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International journal of epidemiology (vol. 28, n° 1, 1999)
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Pagination :
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1-9
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Langues:
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Anglais
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Mots-clés :
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Facteur risque
;
Epidémiologie
;
Méthodologie
;
Homme
;
Etude comparée
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Résumé :
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[BDSP. Notice produite par INIST X6I71R0x. Diffusion soumise à autorisation]. Background The use of review articles and meta-analysis has become an important part of epidemiological research, mainly for reconciling previously conducted studies that have inconsistent results. Numerous methodologic issues particularly with respect to biases and the use of meta-analysis are still controversial. Methods Four methods summarizing data from epidemiological studies are described. The rationale for meta-analysis and the statistical methods used are outlined. The strengths and limitations of these methods are compared particularly with respect to their ability to investigate heterogeneity between studies and to provide quantitative risk estimation. Results Meta-analyses from published data are in general insufficient to calculate a pooled estimate since published estimates are based on heterogeneous populations, different study designs and mainly different statistical models. More reliable results can be expected if individual data are available for a pooled analysis, although some heterogeneity still remains. Large prospective planned meta-analysis of multicentre studies would he preferable to investigate small risk factors, however this type of meta-analysis is expensive and time-consuming. Conclusion For a full assessment of risk factors with a high prevalence in the general population, pooling of data will become increasingly important. (...)
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