Table 1A.

Summary of critical evaluation of reviewed studies of cross-sectional design with questions (n = 19).

Evaluation questions	Number of articles
	Yes	No	U	N/A
1. Were the criteria for inclusion in the sample clearly defined?	19	0	0	0
2. Were the study participants and the setting described in detail?	18	0	1	0
3. Was the exposure measured in a valid and reliable way?	17	0	3	0
4. Were objective, standard criteria used for condition measurement?	13	4	2	0
5. Were confounding factors identified?	16	3	0	0
6. Were strategies to deal with confounding factors stated?	7	12	0	0
7. Were the outcomes measured in a valid and reliable way?	2	16	0	1
8. Was appropriate statistical analysis used?	19	0	0	0

U, unclear; N/A, not available.