Table 4 Frequency of spin strategies in the Results and Conclusions sections of abstracts. (N = 51)
From: Abstracts of randomized controlled trials in pediatric dentistry: reporting quality and spin
Spin strategies | N (%) |
|---|---|
Spin in the Results section | 23 (45.1) |
Focusing on only one statistically significant primary outcome or one significant timepoint of primary outcome irrespective of other nonsignificant primary outcomes | 10 (19.6) |
Focusing on significant within-group comparison for primary outcomes | 11 (21.6) |
Focusing on significant secondary outcomes | 8 (15.7) |
Focus on statistically significant subgroup analyses | 1 (2.0) |
Other | 1 (2.0) |
Spin in the Conclusions section | 39 (76.5) |
Claiming equivalence or non-inferiority for statistically nonsignificant results | 12 (23.5) |
Claiming efficacy with no consideration of the statistically nonsignificant primary outcome | 8 (15.7) |
Focusing on significant secondary outcomes | 9 (17.6) |
Focusing on significant subgroup analyses | 1 (2.0) |
Focusing on only one statistically significant primary outcome or one significant timepoint of primary outcome irrespective of other nonsignificant primary outcomes | 4 (7.8) |
Conclusion focusing on within-group assessment | 4 (7.8) |
Acknowledging statistically nonsignificant results for the primary outcome but emphasize the beneficial effect of treatment | 2 (3.9) |
Recommendation to use the treatment | 8 (15.7) |