Publication of abstracts presented at the National Pediatric Research Meetings of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics: Related factors.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the proportion of abstracts presented at National Pediatric Research Meetings that are fully-published and describe their design and factors that influence nonpublication.

METHODS

Descriptive and analytical study including all abstracts presented at National Pediatric Research Meetings (1998-2011). One author per study was identified and asked to complete a survey on its design, publication and factors associated with non-publication.

RESULTS

Out of 746 abstracts that were submitted, the authors of 522 (70%) completed the survey. Among these, 84.3% were observational studies and 15.7%, experimental; 34% had received funding. Two hundred and seventeen abstracts were published subsequently (41.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.3-45.9). Funded studies had better chances of being published (odds ratio [OR]: 2, 95% CI: 1.4-2.9, p 〈 0.001). Lack of time, insufficient sample size, and problems with funding were referred as the most common reasons for failure to publish.

CONCLUSIONS

Among allabstracts presented at National Pediatric Research Meetings, 41.5% were fully published. Lack of time was the most common reason for unpublished studies.