Variations in how medical researchers report patient demographics: a retrospective analysis of published articles
Erika E Lynn-Green, Avery A Ofoje, Robert H Lynn-Green, David S. Jones
Abstract
Background: The use of demographic variables in the medical literature has been a topic of much recent debate. Recent studies found that race and socioeconomic status (SES) are inconsistently reported. Best-practice use of sex and gender has been contentious. We aimed to characterise the state of medical demographic reporting in greater detail, especially regarding geography and specific terms used in articles. Methods: ) published from 1 January to 31 December 2020 (n = 640). Articles without human participants, case reports, or with only aggregate data were excluded, leaving 594 articles. Use of age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and SES were coded, as well as corresponding author and participant geography. Findings: . Interpretation: We found that while some factors (age, sex) are reported consistently, others (gender, race, ethnicity, SES) are not, despite recent attention. Authors often rely on binary or limited categories that inadequately capture human diversity. The presence of U.S. researchers or participants increased the reporting of race and/or ethnicity, highlighting wide variations that persist even as multinational collaborations become widespread. Researchers should reflect on their use of these terms, justify their decisions, and report results with care. Funding: None.