Multiple significance testing and its relevance for interpretation of results. Audit of the Journal "Strahlentherapie und Onkologie"

Background: The statistical quality of the contributions to "Strahlentherap ie und Onkologie" is assessed, aiming for improvement of the journal and co nsequently its impact factor. Material and Methods: All 181 articles published during 1998 and 1999 in th e categories "review", "original contribution". and "short communication" w ere analyzed concerning the appropriate use of multiple tests. Result: One hundred and four publications were excluded from analysis, beca use they did not contain quantitative data or because no or only 1 statisti cal test was performed. In 77 publications multiple tests were done which w as adequately considered in only 3 of these papers, corresponding to a frac tion of 4% (95% CI: 0.8 to 11%). Conclusion: Authors, peer reviewers, and editors could contribute to improv e the duality of the journal by setting value on correction for multiple te sts.