Objective

2

To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for depression.

Methods

2

Systematic searches were performed in PubMed

the Cochrane Library

EMbase

CNKI

Wanfang

SinoMed and VIP Database for RCTs of acupuncture in treatment of depression.The search time was from the establishment of database to December 1

2023

and the language restriction was Chinese and English.The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for depression was evaluated using the CONSORT statement

the international standardization for trial reporting

STRICTA

the international standard for clinical trial interventions of acupuncture

and SHARE

the guideline and checklist for reporting sham acupuncture controls.

Results

2

According to the CONSORT statement items

the items with the reporting rate less than 50% was accounted for 54.05% of all of the items for Chinese articles

and there were 8 and 1 items with a reporting rate of 0% and 100%

respectively.For the English articles

the items with the reporting rate less than 50% was accounted for 35.14% of all of the items

and there were 3 and 7 items with a reporting rate of 0% and 100%

respectively.The reporting rate of 15 items in Chinese and English articles was greater than 50%

e.g.structured abstract

background and purpose.Based on STRICTA criteria

the reporting rate of either Chinese or English articles was relatively high.The items for Chinese articles with the reporting rate less than 50% was accounted for 23.53% of all of the items

and there were 1 and 4 items with a reporting rate of 0% and 100%

respectively.For English articles

the items with the reporting rate less than 50% was accounted for 11.76% of all of the items

and there was 1 item with a reporting rate of either 0% or 100%.In compliance with SHARE checklist

the reporting rate was low for either Chinese or English articles.The items with the reporting rate less than 50% was accounted for 57.89% of all of the items for Chinese articles

and there were 2 and 0 items with a reporting rate of 0% and 100%

respectively.For English articles

the items with the reporting rate less than 50% was accounted for 52.63% of all of the items

and there was 1 item with a reporting rate of 0% and 100%

respectively.

Conclusion

2

The overall reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for depression is low currently.It is urgent to enhance the reporting of the details on sham acupuncture control especially.It is suggested that RCTs should be reported strictly in compliance with the CONSORT statement

STRICTA criteria

and SHARE checklist in the future.