Table 2.

Quality assessment scale

1. Was the objective clear?

2. Was the data source official?

3. Was the study population-based?

4. Was the sampling randomized?

5. Was the study region nationwide?

6. Were the diagnostic criteria clear?

7. Were the results comparatively analyzed?

8. Did outcome indicators include DALY/YLL/YLD?

9. Can the results be externalized?

Notes: All items have two possible answers except number 9: yes (+) and no (−). Item 9 has three possible responses: yes (++), likely (+), and no (−).

Abbreviations: DALY, disability-adjusted living year; YLL, years of life lost; YLD, years lost due to disability.