7.3.7.1 Description of studies

This section of the results should include an overall description of the included studies (with reference to the table in the appendices), with the main aim to provide some context to the results section and sufficient detail for the reader to determine if the included studies are similar enough to combine in meta-analysis. Specific items/points of interest from individual studies may also be highlighted here. Additional details may include the assessment of methodological quality, characteristics of the participants, location and types of exposures and outcomes. These can be presented in a narrative form, in a table or in both formats when studies vary in orientation and focus.