Preprints as vectors of information pollution? A meta-research on the variability of reported findings in the field of pediatric dentistry

• Grant number: 25/13415-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Cruvinel da Silva
• Grantee: Thiago Cruvinel da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/11709-2 - Dental infodemic: Investigating the consumption, propagation, and psychophysiological impact of false digital information about oral health, AP.R

Abstract

Preprints, preliminary versions of scientific studies made available before peer review, have become increasingly common in academic communication. However, these documents may lead to duplication of information or present conflicting data compared to the final published versions, contributing to information pollution. This phenomenon can negatively impact the understanding of scientific evidence, influence clinical decision-making, and undermine trust in science. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the variability of reported findings in preprints compared to those reported in the final versions of articles published in pediatric dentistry journals. Initially, two trained and calibrated reviewers will conduct a content analysis of 100 clinical studies first published as preprints and subsequently published in one of the five leading journals in the field of pediatric dentistry, selected based on their impact factor. The content reporting objectives, methods, primary and secondary outcomes, interpretations, and conclusions of the preprints will be compared to the findings published in the journal articles, including both early and final versions. Qualitative and quantitative analyses will be conducted using QDA Miner and Turnitin software, allowing for the identification of inconsistency patterns, substantial changes in results, and the potential for generating conflicting information. This study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the potential risks of health-related information pollution associated with the dissemination of preprints in the field of pediatric dentistry. (AU)