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Table 1 Criteria used to rank included studies as high, medium, and low quality for inclusion in meta-analysis

From: Time to initiation of breastfeeding and neonatal mortality and morbidity: a systematic review

Ranking

Quantified BF – outcome relationship

Accounting for Reverse Causality

Adjustment for potential confounders

Study Design

HIGH

Required. Must cover/quantify the outcome relationship during the neonatal period

Required. Must remove from analysis babies that might have not been breastfed early as a result of their status/illness

Required. Must adjust for gestational age and/or low birth weight. Adjustment for other confounders desirable

Prospective cohort, RCT

MEDIUM

Required. Must cover/quantify the outcome relationship during the neonatal period

No

Required. Must adjust for gestational age and/or low birth weight. Adjustment for other confounders desirable

Prospective cohort, RCT

LOW

Required. Must cover/quantify the outcome relationship during the neonatal period

No

No

Case control, retrospective