Figure 1.
The flowchart demonstrates the systematic process of paper selection for a research study. It starts with 'Papers identified in during the database search' with the total of one hundred fifty-nine (n equals one hundred fifty-nine) papers. An arrow leads to 'Duplicates removed' showing three duplicates were eliminated (n equals three), resulting in 'Papers after removing duplicates' totaling one hundred fifty-six (n equals one hundred fifty-six). This leads to a subsequent node 'Papers where full text were assessed for eligibility' showing the same total of one hundred fifty-six (n equals one hundred fifty-six). Two branches arise from this node; one directs to 'Papers excluded after full text assessment' showing one hundred twenty papers (n equals one hundred twenty) were excluded, while the other continues to 'Papers retained for inclusion' with a final count of thirty-six (n equals thirty-six). The flowchart is organised hierarchically, with distinct stages marked clearly in rectangular boxes, and arrows indicating the flow of the selection process.Flowchart of the article search procedure
Source: Authors’ own work