Reproductive health abstracts (2004-2010): What gets published?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the manuscript publication rate and associated predictors of publication for abstracts submitted to the Reproductive Health Conference from 2004-2010. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed all abstracts and determined publication. We identified and analyzed associated factors potentially related to publication. RESULTS: We reviewed 577 abstracts: 142 oral presentations (25%) and 435 poster presentations (75%). The majority were published (58%). Abstracts that were published had a higher average number of abstract authors: published abstracts mean=4.26, standard deviation (SD)=1.7, vs. unpublished abstracts mean=3.78, SD=1.9 (p=0.001). Multivariable analysis found oral presentation (odds ratio [OR]=2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-3.2), high-volume authorship (defined as an author who was listed on ≥6 abstracts) (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3), and prospective study design (OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.0) to be independent predictors of publication. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of the abstracts selected by the Reproductive Health abstract selection committees are likely to be published, and thus it is an important venue for the dissemination of cutting-edge research.