Quasi-experimental studies in the Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science (2011~2024): an evaluation based on the TREND guidelines

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the reporting completeness of quasi-experimental studies published in the Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science from 2011 to 2024 using the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) guidelines. Methods: A systematic search identified 91 quasi-experimental studies with human participants. Reporting completeness was assessed using the TREND guidelines, and conceptual mapping was conducted to examine alignment with Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR), Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist, and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions, Version 2 (ROBINS-I V2) do-mains. Results: Most studies involved non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., education, counseling, and behavioral programs). While participant eligibility, intervention description, and statistical methods were generally well reported, key elements (e.g., protocol modifications, intervention fidelity, con-founder handling, and adverse effects) were often missing. Mapping revealed overlaps between 18 TREND items and TIDieR, JBI, and ROBINS-I V2 domains, but areas related to external validity, contex-tual interpretation, and theoretical linkage were not mapped. Conclusion: Reporting quality was mod-erate. Systematic adherence to the TREND guidelines, supplemented by TIDieR, JBI, and ROBINS-I V2, is recommended to increase transparency, reproducibility, and the value of quasi-experimental evi-dence in nursing science.