Evaluation of CONSORT Compliance in Reporting of Orthodontic Randomized Controlled Trials from 2018 to 2022

Fahad Alharbi ^* Saeed Asiri

• Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to assess the quality of reporting in orthodontic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2018 and 2022 and investigate potential factors influencing reporting quality. Methods: Four major orthodontic journals were searched electronically and supplemented with hand searches to identify human RCTs. The CONSORT checklist was used to evaluate reporting quality, with scores converted to percentages. Inter and intra-examiner reliability were assessed using ICC scores.Results: A total of 192 RCTs were identified from 2,114 articles (9%). Mean CONSORT compliance score was 79.9% (95% CI: 78.3% -81.5%), with variations across journals (AJODO: 86.7%, EJO: 85.8%, JO: 82.3%, AO: 70.3%). Reporting was high for items like title, objectives, and interventions, but lower for methods changes, harms, and funding sources. Inter and intra-examiner reliability were excellent (ICC > 0.8). Conclusion:While reporting quality of orthodontic RCTs has improved, there is room for further enhancement, particularly in areas like changes to methods and funding disclosure.Most trials were conducted in academic settings. Future research could explore factors influencing reporting quality across different geographic regions.