| dc.description.abstract | Background: Although even randomization (that is, approximately 1:1 randomization ratio in study arms) provides
the greatest statistical power, designed uneven randomization (DUR), (for example, 1:2 or 1:3) is used to increase
participation rates. Until now, no convincing data exists addressing the impact of DUR on participation rates in
trials. The objective of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology and to explore factors associated with DUR.
Methods: We will search for reports of RCTs published within two years in 25 general medical journals with the
highest impact factor according to the Journal Citation Report (JCR)-2010. Teams of two reviewers will determine
eligibility and extract relevant information from eligible RCTs in duplicate and using standardized forms. We will
report the prevalence of DUR trials, the reported reasons for using DUR, and perform a linear regression analysis to
estimate the association between the randomization ratio and the associated factors, including participation rate,
type of informed consent, clinical area, and so on.
Discussion: A clearer understanding of RCTs with DUR and its association with factors in trials, for example,
participation rate, can optimize trial design and may have important implications for both researchers and users of
the medical literature. | |
