Assessment of Statistical Analysis Accuracy in the Indian National Dental Associations’ Journals: A Methodological Review of a Six-month Publication Cohort
Gnana Sarita Kumari Panga, Viswa Chaitanya Chandu, Devaki Talluri, Srinivas PachavaAbstract
Aim:
The aim of the study is to assess the erroneous application of statistical tests in the articles published by the Indian National Dental Associations’ Journals and to communicate with the corresponding authors to reflect upon the conduct of statistical analysis.
Methodology:
All original articles published from January to June 2019 in the Indian National Dental Associations’ Journals were assessed for erroneous application of statistical tests. Statistical accuracy was independently assessed by two reviewers, with expert input from a biostatistician, based on the appropriateness of test selection, compatibility with data type, reporting of assumptions, and interpretation of results. Variables indicative of statistical rigor, including study design, data type, statistical tests used, assumption reporting, and statistical errors, were extracted. Emails were sent to the corresponding authors to reflect upon their conduct of statistical analysis.
Results:
A total of 256 original articles were assessed, of which only 21 articles mentioned the normality of the data. Chi-square test (31.6%) was the most frequently used test, followed by ANOVA test (28.9%) and unpaired
Conclusion:
The study indicates that statistical analyses in the Indian National Dental Associations’ Journals require greater scrutiny, with stricter peer-review measures and the inclusion of statisticians with expertise and insight into dental research to ensure accurate results.