Knowledge and awareness of the use of reporting guidelines in specialist dentists: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Reporting guidelines are guidelines developed to standardize the reporting of scientific studies, to ensure that it is transparent, accurate, and complete, and to improve the quality of the study. Their use is very important in terms of literature. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of specialist dentists about the reporting guidelines of scientific research. Methods This study was conducted on 240 specialist dentists and research assistants continuing their specialty education in Turkey. A questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and respondents' level of knowledge about the Enhancing Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network and reporting guidelines was prepared. Data were collected through this questionnaire. Data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed with IBM SPSS v23. Pearson's Chi-square test, Yates Correction, and Fisher's Exact tests were used to analyze the association between categorical variables(p < 0.050). Results 80.8% of the participants were female,19.2% were male and 48.8% were aged between 30 and 35 years.13.8% of the participants had heard the term EQUATOR Network before. Of these, 10.4% learned it from journal websites, and the rest from congresses and seminars. In scientific papers, 32.9% have served as reviewers, but only 7% have used the reporting guidelines. The title group with the best knowledge of the EQUATOR network was the Associate Professor Prof group with a rate of 44.4%. The most recognized reporting guidelines were CONSORT (17.5%), PRISMA (16.3%), and STROBE (%12.1). 82.5% of the participants would like to be informed about the guidelines. Conclusions Specialist dentists' awareness and use of scientific research reporting guidelines and the EQUATOR Network are insufficient. However, they would like to have information on this subject. With the conclusion of this study, a great deal of awareness has been created among the participants. In addition, detailed training on reporting guidelines may increase their utilization.