STROBE Statement

1Detailed Explanation

The STROBE statement was published in 2007 and includes a 22-item checklist organized into six sections: title and abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and other information. Each item addresses a specific aspect of reporting. Extensions exist for specific designs: STROBE for cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies separately, and for molecular epidemiology (STROBE-ME). Key elements include: clearly stating the study design in title/abstract, describing setting and dates, defining exposures, outcomes, and confounders, providing follow-up information, and discussing limitations and generalizability.

2Examples

• A.A cohort study reported following STROBE: clearly stating the study design, providing a flow diagram, and discussing potential confounders
• B.A case-control study adhering to STROBE by describing control selection criteria and exposure assessment methods

3Why It Matters in Research

STROBE compliance is required by most epidemiology and medical journals for observational studies. Incomplete reporting of observational studies is common and leads to difficulties in critical appraisal.

4Related Terms

Related Journal Format Guides

Journals that commonly use STROBE Statement in their manuscripts