Table 2 Operationalisation of quality appraisal criteria, based on the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT)
From: Factors associated with health service utilisation for common mental disorders: a systematic review
Criterion | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
Appropriate sampling strategy | Population-based sample using a sampling frame that can reasonably be assumed to include the majority of the non-institutionalised adult population. (Justification of sample size was not included in this criterion since none of the included studies justified their sample size with reference to the research questions addressed in this review.) | Meets criterion: Simple random sample of households chosen from a government list of residential addresses, then one resident aged > = 18 randomly chosen to participate. Doesn’t meet criterion: Males and females sampled through separate means (males at compulsory conscription, females at enrolment on the electoral register). |
Sample representative of target population | Sample representative of non-institutionalised adult population, with minimal exclusion criteria applied. | Meets criterion: All adults eligible in urban area where study was conducted. Sample representative of urban residents with regard to major socio-demographic factors tested. Doesn’t meet criterion: Participants excluded due to age, ethnicity, chronicity of symptoms, comorbid conditions etc. |
Appropriate measures used | Validated measure of CMD (either screening tool or diagnostic instrument), timeframe for health service utilisation limited and specified. | Meets criterion: CIDI, AUDADIS-IV, CIS-R, SPIKE, PHQ-9, GAD-7, DIS, Burnam depression screener 12 month help-seeking from health services for MH reasons Doesn’t meet criterion: Self-defined depression/anxiety, prior receipt of diagnosis Lifetime use of health services (due to limited accuracy of recall) |
Acceptable response rate | > 60% response rate for cross-sectional studies > 60% response rate and < 30% attrition rate for longitudinal studies | Meets criterion: > 60% response rate across all study sites, or across all major groups compared Doesn’t meet criterion: < 60% response rate overall, in some study sites, or for one gender |