Scientific Writing for MCH Epidemiologists

Jody W. Zylke, MDSenior EditorJAMA

Writing the Scientific Paper

Introduction Methods Results Discussion Abstract Title

Purpose of an Abstract

To provide a short but accurate overview of the study

Importance of Abstract

Important for 3 reasons May persuade someone to read the

whole article Allow busy readers to learn main points

without reading the whole article Captured in computerized databases

Goals of Abstract

Make sense when read alone Convey main results Shouldn’t contain anything not in paper Follow journal guidelines for structure

and length

Structure of Abstract

Context Objective Design, setting, participants Main outcome measure Intervention Results Comment

Dataless Abstract

Results: Compared with children who showed high self-regulation in both behavioral protocols at ages 3 and 5 years, children who exhibited a compromised ability to self-regulate had the highest BMI z scores at each point and the most rapid gains in BMI z scores over the 9-year period. Effects of pubertal status were also noted for girls.

Match the Journal

Context, objective, design, setting, participants, main outcome measures, results, conclusion

Background, methods, results, conclusions Objective, methods, results, conclusions Background, methods, findings, interpretation Unstructured

Pediatrics Lancet New England Journal of Medicine JAMA American Journal of Epidemiology

JAMA Abstract

New England Journalof Medicine Abstract

Pediatrics Abstract

Lancet Abstract

American Journal ofEpidemiology Abstract

Purpose of Title

Captures reader’s attention Used to index article Represents article in reference lists

Structure of Title

Types—declarative, questions, catchy Subtitles Independent variable, dependent

variable, study population: Effect of x on y in z

Titles in September Pediatrics--Examples

1. Health behaviors and infant health outcomes in homeless pregnant women in the United States

1. Fine

2. Suicidal behavior differs among early and late adolescents treated with antidepressant agents

2. Gives away the conclusion of the study. Better: Suicidal behavior among early and late adolescents treated with antidepressants

3. Fasting might not be necessary before lipid screening: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

3. The title contains the implications of the study. Better: Relationship between length of fast and lipid screening levels in children

4. Relationship of maternal snuff use and cigarette smoking with neonatal apnea

4. Good

5. Parent involvement in pain management for NICU infants: a randomized controlled trial

5. Good use of subtitle

6. Sleep disorders in children: a national assessment of primary care pediatrician practices and perceptions

6. Title tells little about study and subtitle is too long. Better: Pediatricians’ perceptions and practices for sleep disorders in children

7. Premasticating food for weaning African infants: a possible vehicle for transmission of HIV

7. Subtitle is study background, and not clear what aspect of premastication was looked at. Better: Characteristics of premastication practices for weaning infants in South Africa

8. Use of models to identify cost-effective interventions: pertussis-vaccination for pediatric health care workers

8. Title tells little about study; main title is really subtitle. Better: Cost-effectiveness of pertussis vaccination for NICU workers