What are the Key Components of Transparent Reporting?

Transparent reporting in epidemiology involves several key components:
1. Study Design: Clear description of the study design, including the type of study (e.g., cohort, case-control, cross-sectional), and the rationale behind choosing this design.
2. Data Collection: Detailed information on how data was collected, including the population studied, sampling methods, and tools or instruments used for data collection.
3. Data Analysis: Comprehensive documentation of statistical methods and software used for data analysis, including any adjustments or transformations applied to the data.
4. Results: Clear presentation of results, including descriptive statistics, measures of association, and confidence intervals. Tables, graphs, and charts should be used to enhance understanding.
5. Limitations: Honest discussion of the study’s limitations, including potential sources of bias, confounding factors, and any issues encountered during the study.
6. Ethical Considerations: Information on ethical approvals, consent procedures, and how participant confidentiality was maintained.