Statistical Errors in Papers in the Journal of Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (JKPRS)

Hwang, Kun; Lee, Hun Jae; Kim, Yoo Jin; Lee, Se Il

Abstract

The statistical analysis is an essential procedure ensuring that the results of researches are based on evidences rather than opinion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the statistical methods and errors in JKPRS and to propose improvement plan.We reviewed 326 articles published in JKPRS between 1996 and 1999. We evaluated the validity of used statistical methodology with our own checklist based on "Guideline for statistical reporting in articles for medical journals" by "International committee of medical journal editors". Among 326 articles, case(series) report and original articles were 167(51.2%) and 156(47.9%) respectively. In 159(48.8%) papers statistical method was not used. In 94 (28.8%) papers, only descriptive methods were used, while in 73 papers(22.4%) descriptive and inferential methods were used. The papers published in 1999 used more statistical methods than in 1996. Among the papers which used descriptive method, 90 papers(53.0%) showed appropriate central tendency and dispersion. But, in papers which used inferential method, 24 papers(33.0%) applied appropriate methods and only 4 papers(5.5%) were satisfactory in utilization of statistical methodology. It is suggested that more consultation of investigators with bio-statisticians, a basic training on statistical methods in resident programs, and more extensive statistical refereeing are needed.