Quality assessment – Cross-sectional studies (Health and Social).

1Simple random sampling (SRS) or reasonable alternative where SRS not possible; 2Response rate provided and explained; 3Power calculation provided; 4Sample representative of wider population of interest to MHM (selection bias); 5Outcome/co-factor clearly defined; 6Outcome collected appropriately (misclassification bias); 7Suitable range of variables collected; 8Clear methods explained for collection (misclassification bias); 9Measure of effect provided (e.g. OR/RR); 10Confidence Intervals provided; 11p-values provided.
aSystematic recruitment from 11 year old register from clinic, sexually inactive women excluded; b72% response rate but comparison provided; cRTIs and UTIs clinically confirmed but self-reported outcomes used despite confirmed over-reporting; dNo adjustments made for sexual activity or any other factors collected; eCluster random sample: randomised health workers, not individuals; fSample designed to understand population using contraception; gClinical/laboratory confirmation of RTIs; hAdjusted by contraceptive method, no other factor found to confound relationship; iSelf-reported or ‘perceived’ health problems; jSelf-reported ‘white discharge’; kHerpes Simplex Positive ‘facility’ workers only; lConsecutive recruitment from all genitor-urinary clinic attendees but no data on refusals; mSelf –reported menstrual management; nSelf-reported pre-menarcheal training.