A practical introduction to multivariate meta-analysis

Stat Methods Med Res. 2013 Apr;22(2):133-58. doi: 10.1177/0962280211432219. Epub 2012 Jan 23.

Abstract

Multivariate meta-analysis is becoming increasingly popular and official routines or self-programmed functions have been included in many statistical software. In this article, we review the statistical methods and the related software for multivariate meta-analysis. Emphasis is placed on Bayesian methods using Markov chain Monte Carlo, and codes in WinBUGS are provided. The various model-fitting options are illustrated in two examples and specific guidance is provided on how to run a multivariate meta-analysis using various software packages.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bayes Theorem
  • Humans
  • Markov Chains
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Multivariate Analysis*
  • Software