Inconsistency, heterogeneity, and Publication bias analysis
For assessment of study heterogeneity, the Chi-squared test and
I2-statistic were used (considering
I2 values as follows: low: < 25%,
moderate:25% to 50%, or high: >
50%).15 Within design heterogeneity and between
design inconsistency were evaluated using Cochrane’s Q. A random-effects
model was preferred, regardless of both inconsistency and heterogeneity.
Publication bias was evaluated by visual inspection of funnel plots and
Egger’s test (p-value < 0.05, indicating a possible
publication bias) (Supplementary Material, File 2)
RESULTS