Beyond Forest Plots: Understanding and Interpreting Heterogeneity in Meta-Analysis

Beyond Forest Plots: Understanding and Interpreting Heterogeneity in Meta-Analysis

Objectives:

• Distinguish between clinical, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity in meta-analysis.
• Interpret and critically appraise heterogeneity measures (I² and τ²), including their assumptions and limitations.
• Identify and investigate potential sources of heterogeneity using subgroup analysis and meta-regression.
• Critically evaluate the validity and risks associated with subgroup analyses.
• Apply appropriate strategies to address heterogeneity in systematic reviews.

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Speaker: Dr. Sukainah Al Khalaf 

Dr. Sukainah Al Khalaf is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health and a Consultant in Public Health. She holds a PhD and MPH in Epidemiology and Public Health from University College Cork, Ireland.

Her academic and research work focuses on advanced epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and evidence synthesis, with particular expertise in systematic reviews and meta-analysis. She also has extensive experience in teaching research methods and delivering specialized training.

Dr. Sukainah is actively involved in research governance through her roles on institutional review boards and scientific research committees. Her research interests include perinatal epidemiology and chronic diseases, with a broader focus on evidence synthesis, methodological rigor, and improving population health outcomes.