metaepidemiological

Metaepidemiology, also spelled meta-epidemiology, is the study of the methodological and design factors that influence results in epidemiological research. It uses empirical, meta-analytic approaches to examine how study characteristics, biases, and reporting practices affect findings across multiple studies. As a part of meta-research, it overlaps with evidence synthesis, biostatistics, and general epidemiology, and it aims to improve the reliability and interpretation of epidemiologic evidence.

Typical questions in metaepidemiology concern how specific study-level features influence effect estimates. Examples include randomization and allocation concealment in trials, blinding, measurement of exposures and outcomes, duration and completeness of follow-up, and the adequacy of confounding control. Researchers compile data from numerous studies and apply meta-regression, stratified analyses, and hierarchical models to quantify associations between these characteristics and results, while also assessing small-study effects and potential publication or selective reporting bias.

The field informs systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and public health policy by distinguishing robust findings from those that may depend on design choices or reporting quality. It also highlights methodological deficiencies and opportunities for improvement, such as the promotion of study registration, transparent reporting, preregistration of protocols, and standardized measurement of key variables.

Limitations of metaepidemiology include methodological heterogeneity across studies, challenges in establishing causal links between design features and observed results, and potential biases within the meta-epidemiological literature itself. Despite these challenges, metaepidemiology plays a growing role in evidence-based practice by scrutinizing how epidemiologic knowledge is generated and guiding better research design.