Not for Your Eyes: Information Concealed Through Publication Bias

Abstract

I read with interest the article by Dr Liesegang and associates concerning bias in journal publication. 1 Liesegang T.J. Albert D.M. Schachat A.P. Not for your eyes: information concealed through publication bias. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008; 146: 638-639 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar The authors do not mention one important inequity, racial bias. Such bias exists in job applications and publications. 2 Horton R. Medical journals: evidence of bias against the diseases of poverty. Lancet. 2003; 361: 712-713 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (152) Google Scholar , 3 Bhopal R. Racism in medicine. BMJ. 2001; 322: 1503-1504 Crossref PubMed Scopus (37) Google Scholar Diseases dominating the less-developed countries of the world usually receive less attention. However, an attempt to correct this bias has been made. Neglected tropical diseases are a group of 13 major infectious diseases which have highest prevalence in the developing countries. 4 Hotez P.J. Molyneux D.H. Fenwick A. et al. Control of neglected tropical diseases. N Engl J Med. 2007; 357: 1018-1027 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1130) Google Scholar Trachoma and onchocerciasis, leading causes of blindness, are also in such a group. ReplyAmerican Journal of OphthalmologyVol. 147Issue 3PreviewDr Kittisupamongkol refers to the recently published Editorial that addresses the effects of publication bias on clinical care, and specifically the lesser-known effects of submission bias, methodological bias, and acceptance bias.1 In this and in other recent Editorials, we have also recognized the multiple forms of bias that might negatively impact the medical literature.2,3 Dr Kittisupamongkol introduces yet other forms of bias in the medical literature, which might be termed racial bias and perhaps a separate bias concerning publication about diseases that affect predominantly the developing countries. Full-Text PDF