Application of STROBE in University Theses: A Strategy to Improve Research Quality and Scientific Publishing

Abstract

STROBE is a global initiative that provides guidelines to improve the quality of reporting in observational studies, and it is currently used by many high-impact journals as a prerequisite for article acceptance. In the university context, its application not only helps to raise research quality but also represents a more rigorous tool than traditional instruments for evaluating theses. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between methodological quality and STROBE compliance in Human Medicine theses at a public university, highlighting STROBE as a more rigorous tool to improve quality and support scientific publication. Method: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used. A total of 66 theses from 2020 to 2023 were analyzed using a validated methodological quality instrument and the STROBE checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Spearman) were applied. Results: Although the methodological quality instrument classified most theses as good or very good, STROBE compliance was low (mean 53.9% ±14.1), with only 13.6% of theses exceeding 70%. The weakest dimensions were methodology (46.9%) and results (48.6%). A strong and positive relationship was found between methodological quality and STROBE compliance (Spearman p<0.000), as well as significant differences between quality levels (ANOVA p<0.000). Conclusions: STROBE proved to be a more demanding and revealing tool than the methodological quality instrument, since it identified weaknesses in theses that had been classified as good quality. Complying with STROBE not only improves research quality but also increases the chances of publication in high-impact journals. Therefore, it is recommended to institutionalize STROBE in thesis regulations and training programs. Its adoption represents a low-cost and high-impact strategy to strengthen research culture, improve quality, and increase the international visibility of university scientific production. These results provide significant evidence for Peruvian universities and other institutions in developing countries where the research culture is still emerging.