The presence and characteristics of ‘spin’ among randomized controlled trial abstracts in orthodontics

Conclusions sections of each included abstract was evaluated and categorized according to pre-determined spin strategies. Logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the association between spin and relevant factors.ResultsA total of 111 RCT abstracts were included, of which 69 (62.2 per cent) were identified with spin. In theResults section, 47 (42.3 per cent) abstracts had spin, and ‘focusing on significant within-group comparison for primary outcomes’ was the most frequent spin strategy. In theConclusions section, 57 (51.4 per cent) abstracts presented spin, with the most common strategy being ‘claiming equivalence or non-inferiority for statistically nonsignificant results’. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, a significantly lower presence of spin was found in studies with international collaboration (odds ratio [OR]: 0.331, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI]: 0.120–0.912,P = 0.033) and trial registration (OR: 0.336, 95 per cent CI: 0.117 –0.962,P = 0.042).ConclusionThe prevalence of spin is high among RCT abstracts in orthodontics. Clinicians need to be aware of the definition and presence of spin. Concerted efforts are needed from researchers and other stakeholders to address this issue.

Source: The European Journal of Orthodontics - August 16, 2021 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research