Statistical methods used to combine categorical data in a Meta-Analysis: An evaluation of active and passive smokers

Abstract

In this study, different methods to combine non-continuous data in 2x2 table order are presented. To combine data, Mantel-Haenszel, Peto, based on General Variance, and DerSimonian-Laird methods are used. In order to compare these methods seven studies that are carried out in different places and times are undertaken. As a result of these calculations it is observed that women whose spouses are smoking are caught to lung cancer 1.7 times more than women whose spouses do not smoke.