Quality Appraisal

The first author (RJ), together with two senior researchers, rigorously evaluated the quality of the selected articles according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme [76] and Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tools applicable to each study design [77]. All tools evaluated the appropriateness of methods used, clarity of focus, the recruitment process, the accuracy of measures used, data collection, presentation and analysis, clarity in the statement of the findings, and appropriateness of context. If more than two aspects were not addressed in the articles, it was excluded. This was depicted as either Level 1* (full marks obtained) or Level 1 (–1 mark) in Table 3. Table 3 includes a hierarchy classification system in terms of research design, according to the American Dietetic Association [78,79]. This critical appraisal of the full-text articles determined the selection and inclusion of articles in this systematic review.

Summary of included articles’ study designs.