Table 1.

Criteria for assessing the methodological and statistical quality of the studies reviewed.

(A) Sample characteristics: Well characterized patient population with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria

(B) Sample Size: The sample size is adequate to assess outcomes or is appropriately justified

(C) Data collection: The process of data collection is described (e.g., interviews or self-report)

(D) Response rates: Participation and response rates are described and are above 75%

(E) Outcome measurement: Standardized measurement of psychological health outcomes

(F) Comparison groups: Results are compared between two groups or more (e.g., patients or health populations)

(G) Statistical analyses: The statistical analyses are adequately described, including levels of significance and/or confidence intervals when appropriate. A general  determination of the extent to which all analyses that should have been done were done

Note: (Studies were assigned ‘1′ point for each criteria that they met, for a total possible score of 7).