Table 1.
Newcastle–Ottawa Quality assessment scale criteria including attribution of points
| Criteria: | Points to be gained |
|---|---|
| Selection | |
| Representativeness | |
| Truly | 1 |
| Somewhat | 1 |
| Selected group | 0 |
| No description | 0 |
| Selection of non-exposed cohort | |
| Drawn from same community | 1 |
| Drawn from a different source | 0 |
| No description | 0 |
| Ascertainment of exposure | |
| Secure record | 1 |
| Structured interview | 1 |
| Written self-report | 0 |
| No description | 0 |
| Demonstration that outcome of interest not present at start | |
| Yes | 1 |
| No | 0 |
| Comparability | |
| Comparability of cohorts | |
| Study controls for most important factor | |
| Study controls for additional factors | 1 |
| Outcome | 1 |
| Assessment of outcome | |
| Independent blind assessment | 1 |
| Record linkage | 1 |
| Self-report | 0 |
| No description | 0 |
| Follow-up long enough? | |
| Yes | 1 |
| No | 0 |
|
Adequacy of follow-up 0 | |
| Complete follow-up | 1 |
| Small number lost/description provided | 1 |
| Higher number lost/no description | 0 |
| No statement | 0 |