Meta-analysis is a statistical approach used to synthesize results from independent studies in order to explore broader patterns. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of differences in proportions to synthesize data from 45 studies investigating sex-based patterns in carious lesions, dental calculus, antemortem tooth loss, periodontal disease and periapical cavities from assemblages dating to the Hellenistic and Roman periods (~4th century BCE–4th century CE) in Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME). The aim was to gain a better understanding of dietary practices and gender-based social differentiation as reflected in sex-based variation in oral health. The results revealed no significant differences between males and females across all examined oral conditions, a pattern that holds for both BCE and CE chronological subsets. However, our study also highlighted significant methodological limitations affecting the meta-analysis of published bioarchaeological data. A substantial number of potentially relevant studies had to be excluded due to insufficient reporting, and several analyses exhibited high heterogeneity, likely reflecting differences in recording criteria and methodological approaches rather than actual differences in disease prevalence among populations. Overall, our findings indicate that meta-analysis holds considerable yet underutilized potential in bioarchaeology; however, current research and reporting practices substantially limit its effective application.

First Author: Antonio Caruso

Co-Authors: Efthymia Nikita

Keywords:
Meta-analysis
Oral Pathologies
Hellenistic
Roman
Italy
EMME