1 Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
2 Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
3 Centre for Prognosis Research, School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK.
4 Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
5 Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
6 CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
7 Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
8 Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
9 Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
10 Department of Educational and Counselling

Objectives: Accurate and complete study reporting allows evidence users to critically appraise studies, evaluate possible bias, and assess generalizability and applicability. We evaluated the extent to which recent studies on depression screening accuracy were reported consistent with Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) statement requirements.

Methods: MEDLINE was searched from January 1, 2018 through May 21, 2021 for depression screening accuracy studies.

Results: 106 studies were included. Of 34 STARD items or sub-items, the number of adequately reported items per study ranged from 7 to 18 (mean = 11.5, standard deviation [SD] = 2.5; median = 11.5), and the number inadequately reported ranged from 3 to 17 (mean = 10.1, SD = 2.5; median = 10.0). There were eight items adequately reported, seven partially reported, 11 inadequately reported, and four not applicable in =50% of studies; the remaining four items had mixed reporting. Items inadequately reported in =70% of studies related to the rationale for index test cut-offs examined, missing data management, analyses of variability in accuracy results, sample size determination, participant flow, study registration, and study protocol.

Conclusion: Recently published depression screening accuracy studies are not optimally reported. Journals should endorse and implement STARD adherence.