TABLE 2.
Methodologic quality of cohort studies included in the meta-analysis.
| Study (PMID) | Representativeness of the exposed cohort | Selection of the nonexposed cohort | Ascertainment of exposure | Outcome of interest not present at start of study | Control for important factors | Assessment of outcome | Follow-up period long enough for outcomes to occura | Adequacy of follow-up evaluation of cohortsb | Total quality scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33239433 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | 7 | |
| 33199490 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | 7 | |
| 32648384 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★★ | ★ | 9 |
| 31831026 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★★ | ★ | 8 | |
| 30864102 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | 8 |
| 29349612 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★★ | ★ | 8 | |
| 27396375 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★★ | ★ | 9 |
| 26520780 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | 8 |
| 26125449 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | 7 | |
| 19139429 | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ★ | 7 |
a
A cohort study with a follow-up time longer than 5 years was assigned additional one star.
b
A cohort study with a follow-up rate greater than 80% was assigned additional one star.