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Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are essential for evidence-based nursing care. However, the quality of reporting and adherence to methodological standards in Latin American nursing journals remains unclear. This study evaluates the characteristics, reporting quality, and potential risk of bias of RCTs published in Latin American nursing journals.
To assess the reporting compliance and risk of bias of RCTs published in Latin American nursing journals.
Meta-research study.
A comprehensive handsearch of 29 Latin American nursing journals was performed covering publications from 2000 to 2024. Identified RCTs were assessed for adherence to CONSORT reporting guidelines and evaluated for risk of bias. Outcomes were classified using the COMET taxonomy. A descriptive analysis was performed.
A total of 6377 references were screened, identifying 34 eligible RCTs, most published after 2018. The median CONSORT compliance was 19 reported items (IQR 16–22). High compliance (> 90%) was observed in abstract reporting items, study objectives, and participant selection criteria. However, critical methodological features such as randomization procedures, blinding, and protocol registration showed low adherence (< 40%). Risk of bias was mostly rated as having “some concerns”, largely due to insufficient reporting. According to the COMET taxonomy, the most frequently reported outcome domains were “Delivery of care” and “Physical functioning”.
Reporting compliance and risk of bias of RCTs published in Latin American nursing journals presents significant gaps, particularly in key methodological domains. These shortcomings hinder transparency, reproducibility, and integration into evidence synthesis. Strengthening editorial policies and enforcing reporting standards could enhance the quality and reliability of published research in Latin American nursing journals.
Patients with advanced cancer can suffer from serious distress like death anxiety and depression, in addition to facing a reduced quality of life. Death education interventions have been shown to improve these outcomes, but their effectiveness remains unclear, especially in the advanced stages.
This meta-analysis aimed to examine the efficacy of death education interventions on death anxiety, depression, and quality of life in advanced cancer sufferers, and to explore the influence of the intervention site, duration, the age of participants, and dyadic relationships with caregivers on the effectiveness of these interventions.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed.
A systematic search of 10 electronic databases identified 19 eligible RCTs with 1531 participants. Data were extracted and analyzed via Review Manager 5.4. Subgroup analyses were performed on the basis of the intervention site, duration, age of participants, and presence of caregivers.
In comparison to the control intervention, the death education intervention notably alleviated death anxiety (SMD = −2.11, 95% CI: −5.91 to −0.89, p = 0.008) and depression (SMD = −0.45, 95% CI: −0.72 to −0.18, p = 0.001). Quality of life (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.39–1.33, p = 0.0003) was also significantly improved. Subgroup analyses revealed that interventions with longer durations, conducted in professional settings, and targeting younger patients were more likely to be effective in reducing depression and enhancing the quality of life. Interventions without family companionship were more effective in improving depression, while interventions with family companionship were more effective in improving quality of life.
Death education interventions are effective at improving death anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Tailoring interventions to individual features and cultural backgrounds is crucial to achieving the best effect.
Death education is an effective and important intervention measure that can help patients with advanced cancer better cope with death anxiety and depressive emotions and improve their quality of life. Clinical medical workers should select appropriate death education programs based on the specific conditions of patients and provide necessary support and guidance.
CRD42024565376
FreshRSS 