Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review
Abstract Background As hypertension and diabetes emerge as co-morbidities among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), the need for robust epidemiological research to inform policy and action is imperative. Proper reporting and handling of missing data are crucial in such studies to avoid loss of stati...
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2025-07-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02630-1 |
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| author | Peter Vanes Ebasone Nasheeta Peer Anastase Dzudie Johney Melpsa Merveille Foaleng Andre Pascal Kengne |
| author_facet | Peter Vanes Ebasone Nasheeta Peer Anastase Dzudie Johney Melpsa Merveille Foaleng Andre Pascal Kengne |
| author_sort | Peter Vanes Ebasone |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background As hypertension and diabetes emerge as co-morbidities among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), the need for robust epidemiological research to inform policy and action is imperative. Proper reporting and handling of missing data are crucial in such studies to avoid loss of statistical power and precision and generate unbiased results. We aimed to assess the reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among PLWH. Methods We searched in PubMed for cross-sectional studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among PLWH published worldwide between January 1990 and June 2023. We extracted data on reporting of missing data (quantity, type, where it occurred, and any bias assessment) and how it was handled. Results Of 2179 records identified, 154 studies were included among which 53 (34.4%) reported missing data, primarily within exposure variables such as CD4 count and viral load. Only 19 of these studies (37.7%) cited reasons for missingness, predominantly attributed to lack of documentation and non-response. Out of the 24 (45.5%) studies that detailed how they handled missing data, the majority (16 studies; 30.2%) used complete case analysis. Only 5/53 studies (9.43%) adopted multiple imputation methods. The potential biases introduced by missing data were acknowledged in only 12/53 (22.6%) studies. Conclusion The reporting and handling of missing data in hypertension and diabetes studies among PLWH are currently suboptimal. Enhanced understanding of why data is missing and choosing appropriate methods to address it is paramount to reduce potential biases. Adopting and adhering to comprehensive guidelines for managing missing data is a pressing need and will ensure that more accurate results are better represented in PLWH population. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3b8466d677f3476ba5280c64a3fbd0e7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2288 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Research Methodology |
| spelling | doaj-art-3b8466d677f3476ba5280c64a3fbd0e72025-08-20T04:03:07ZengBMCBMC Medical Research Methodology1471-22882025-07-012511910.1186/s12874-025-02630-1Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic reviewPeter Vanes Ebasone0Nasheeta Peer1Anastase Dzudie2Johney Melpsa3Merveille Foaleng4Andre Pascal Kengne5Department of Medicine, University of Cape TownDepartment of Medicine, University of Cape TownClinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC)Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC)Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC)Department of Medicine, University of Cape TownAbstract Background As hypertension and diabetes emerge as co-morbidities among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), the need for robust epidemiological research to inform policy and action is imperative. Proper reporting and handling of missing data are crucial in such studies to avoid loss of statistical power and precision and generate unbiased results. We aimed to assess the reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among PLWH. Methods We searched in PubMed for cross-sectional studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among PLWH published worldwide between January 1990 and June 2023. We extracted data on reporting of missing data (quantity, type, where it occurred, and any bias assessment) and how it was handled. Results Of 2179 records identified, 154 studies were included among which 53 (34.4%) reported missing data, primarily within exposure variables such as CD4 count and viral load. Only 19 of these studies (37.7%) cited reasons for missingness, predominantly attributed to lack of documentation and non-response. Out of the 24 (45.5%) studies that detailed how they handled missing data, the majority (16 studies; 30.2%) used complete case analysis. Only 5/53 studies (9.43%) adopted multiple imputation methods. The potential biases introduced by missing data were acknowledged in only 12/53 (22.6%) studies. Conclusion The reporting and handling of missing data in hypertension and diabetes studies among PLWH are currently suboptimal. Enhanced understanding of why data is missing and choosing appropriate methods to address it is paramount to reduce potential biases. Adopting and adhering to comprehensive guidelines for managing missing data is a pressing need and will ensure that more accurate results are better represented in PLWH population.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02630-1Missing dataHypertensionDiabetesCross-sectionalHIV/AIDS |
| spellingShingle | Peter Vanes Ebasone Nasheeta Peer Anastase Dzudie Johney Melpsa Merveille Foaleng Andre Pascal Kengne Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review BMC Medical Research Methodology Missing data Hypertension Diabetes Cross-sectional HIV/AIDS |
| title | Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review |
| title_full | Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review |
| title_fullStr | Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review |
| title_short | Reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co-morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review |
| title_sort | reporting and handling of missing data in published studies of co morbid hypertension and diabetes among people living with hiv aids a systematic review |
| topic | Missing data Hypertension Diabetes Cross-sectional HIV/AIDS |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02630-1 |
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