Profile of Published Cochrane Systematic Reviews in Child Health From Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Setting priorities in health research is a challenge at the global and national levels. Use of evidence-based approach is uncommon and needs to be promoted in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). We describe profile of Cochrane systematic reviews focussing on participation from LMIC. We searched six Cochrane review groups producing reviews relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries for published Cochrane systematic reviews from 1 March, 2009 till 18 March, 2015 in the Cochrane Library. A total of 669 Cochrane systematic reviews from six review groups were found. Low proportion of lead authors from low- and middle-income countries was found in 4 out of 6 review groups. About 50% of the reviews showed inconclusive evidence. 101/669 (15%) empty reviews were found needing more primary studies. The proportion of Cochrane authors from low- and middle-income countries is low. Capacity-building in systematic reviews and good quality primary research in these countries is warranted.