Work

When meta-analysis misleads: the need for methodological integrity in e-cigarette research

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tobacco harm reduction (THR), especially in the context of electronic cigarette (EC) research, remains highly contested within public health, often due to studies compromised by methodological flaws [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. These shortcomings in study design, analysis, terminology, or interpretation can distort scientific record, erode public trust, and generate misleading or uncritical media coverage and policy reports [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. These challenges become especially consequential when flawed evidence is aggregated and amplified through meta-analyses, which play a central role in shaping policy and clinical guidance.

Source: Internal and Emergency Medicine

DOI: 10.1007/s11739-025-04019-w

Authors: Riccardo Polosa, Giulio Geraci, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi

Institutions: Università degli Studi di Enna Kore, University of Catania, University of Glasgow

Language: English

Topic: Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790