Comparison of quality of scientific articles from Latin America and other regions

Abstract

This paper describes a study comparing articles from Latin America and other regions, to assess the quality of both methodology and results presentation. These articles were included in a systematic review about the prevalence of postpartum depression. The study is of the documentary research type with critical analysis of the literature. Two independent reviewers performed the critical analysis of the studies. The quality of the articles was measured according to the Loney Scale. Statistical analysis was applied and the hypotheses were tested through the usage of nonparametric tests. Thirty-four Latin American studies were identified, evaluated, and compared to a random sample of thirty-four articles from other regions. The quality of the methodology and results of the two groups of articles did not show a significant difference. In both cases, quality was found to be low. Scientific articles are evidences that can support decision-making both in the clinical practice and in public policymaking. For authors to generate scientific articles of quality that are reliable evidence is necessary to build the capability of researchers in developing rigorous methodologies to generate consistent results.