Quality analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting in the field of pediatrics by Indonesian researchers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the quality of reports of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the field of pediatrics conducted by Indonesian investigators.

METHODS: All pediatric RCTs conducted by Indonesian researchers were sourced from international and national (local) publications. The assessment was done using both the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial (CONSORT) 2010 statement and Jadad Scale. Overall scores from each assessment are reported with a comparison of overall scores between studies in international and local publications.

RESULTS: A total of 91 pediatric randomized control trials by Indonesian authors were gathered. National publications yielded a total of 44 studies (48.4%) whilst international publications yielded 47 studies (51.6%). Using the CONSORT statement the percentage of good reports was 38.3% in international journals and 33.3% in national journals. Using Jadad scale the percentage of good reports was 43.6% (international journals) and 37.0% (national journals). Both were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Even though Indonesian investigators still need to be familiarized with good RCT reporting, the overall quality of the reports is fairly satisfactory. There is no significant difference in quality between studies published in international or national journals.