Although the method of randomization in randomized trials was never described, an item on this was retained because it was considered essential for the assessment of study quality.
Simple randomization was used as a method of randomization of schools through a random number generator.
Two studies [ 24, 25] were called randomized without defining the method of randomization or blinding and whether patients withdrew or dropped out.
As none of the studies were randomized trials, none used any method of randomization or concealment of allocation.
Although many of the studies stated that the intervention and control of allocation were randomized, no description of the method of randomization was reported.
For randomized controlled trials, follow-up duration, method of randomization, blinding, use intent-to-treat analysis, and number of withdrawals/dropouts were also noted.
The method of randomization and allocation (eg, randomly generated treatment codes, random self-drawing of prepared sealed envelopes) was described in four 29, 32, 33, 35 of the seven randomized controlled trials.
Two trials [ 13, 37] reported that random sequence was generated by a random number table, the remaining 25 trials only mentioned random allocation without any description about the method of randomization.
The description of the studies as "randomized" will be sufficient for inclusion; however, the method of randomization will be addressed in detail during the assessment of methodological quality.
In this system, 1 point was allocated if the study was described as being randomized with an additional point awarded if the method of randomization was described.
Method of randomization was reported in only 513838%).
