Sex and Gender Equity in Research: Rationale for the SAGER guidelines and recommended use

Abstract
Background: Sex and gender differences are often overlooked in research design, study implementation and
scientific reporting, as well as in general science communication. This oversight limits the generalizability of
research findings and their applicability to clinical practice, in particular for women but also for men. This article
describes the rationale for an international set of guidelines to encourage a more systematic approach to the
reporting of sex and gender in research across disciplines.
Methods: A panel of 13 experts representing nine countries developed the guidelines through a series of
teleconferences, conference presentations and a 2-day workshop. An internet survey of 716 journal editors,
scientists and other members of the international publishing community was conducted as well as a literature
search on sex and gender policies in scientific publishing.
Results: The Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines are a comprehensive procedure for reporting
of sex and gender information in study design, data analyses, results and interpretation of findings.
Conclusions: The SAGER guidelines are designed primarily to guide authors in preparing their manuscripts, but
they are also useful for editors, as gatekeepers of science, to integrate assessment of sex and gender into all
manuscripts as an integral part of the editorial process.
Keywords: Sex, Gender, Guidelines, SAGER, Scientific research, Scientific publishing, Gender bias, Equity