Table 2

 Quality assessment of included studies

StudyQ1Q2Q3Q4Q5Q6Q7Q8Q9Q10Score
Haan et al 64 YYNYYYYYNY8
Thenral and Annamalai38 YYNYYYYYNY8
Bian et al 34 YYNYYUYYYY8
Zhang et al 36 YYNYYUYYYY8
Sangers et al 37 YYNYYYYYNY8
McCradden et al 23 YYNYYUYYYN8
McCradden et al 26 YYYYYUYYNY8
Topol43 YYNYYYYYNY8
Nelson et al 35 YYNYYYYYNY8
Richardson et al 32 YYNYYUYYNY7
Ding et al 40 YYNYYYYYNY8
Müller et al 33 YYNYYUYYNY7
  • Q1: Is there congruity between the research methodology and the research questions or objectives? Q2: Is there congruity between the research methodology and the representation and analysis of data? Q3: Is there a statement locating the researcher culturally or theoretically? Q4: Are participants and their voices adequately represented? Q5: Do the conclusions drawn from the research report flow from the analysis or interpretation of the data? Q6: Is there congruity between the stated philosophical perspective and the research methodology? Q7: Is there congruity between the research methodology and the data collection methods? Q8: Is there congruity between the research methodology and the interpretation of results? Q9: Is the influence of the researcher on the research, and vice versa, addressed? Q10: Is the research ethical according to current criteria or, for recent studies, and is there evidence of ethical approval by an appropriate body?.

  • N, no; U, unclear; Y, yes.