An analysis of specialty journals on alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviors for sex bias in research methods and reporting.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have considered the extent to which gender bias has characterized addictions treatment research over the past 20 years. Sex bias in this literature has been shown to be most apparent in a reliance on male subjects and representation of male experience as normative. The current study was undertaken to assess the current status of some basic aspects of gender bias in addictions research generally. METHODS: Articles appearing in 1990 in 17 specialty journals on alcohol, drugs and addictive behaviors were coded with respect to type of article and the gender of the primary investigator. Studies on human subjects also were evaluated with regard to subject selection and reporting practices. RESULTS: Although the proportion of females represented in addictions research was found to have increased over earlier historical periods, studies using only male subjects were still common in 1990. Moreover, in studies using subjects of mostly one sex, investigators were likely to provide legitimate reasons for studying females, but provide no rationale for using male samples. Other subtle forms of bias were identified. For example, many single-sex studies (especially those using all male subjects) did not indicate the gender of the sample in the title or abstract of the study, and did not indicate that results of the study could be generalized to only one gender. CONCLUSIONS: Male biased sampling and misleading reporting of findings continue to be evident in addictions research. The need for gender-sensitive research in the field of addictions is discussed, and suggestions for change are offered.