We also explored the possibility of publication bias using Trim and Fill method (Fig 6). This statistical method accounts for publication bias in meta-analysis. The method, a rank-based data augmentation technique, formalizes the use of funnel plots, estimates the number and outcomes of missing studies, and corrects the meta-analysis to incorporate the theoretical missing studies [21]. Based on Trim & Fill method, there was evidence of publication bias among the studies addressing the association between suicidal ideation and smoking. On the basis of this method, the uncorrected OR (before adding the possible missing studies) was 2.00; 95% CI: 1.78, 2.22) and the corrected OR (after adding 9 possible missing studies) was 1.68 (95% CI: 1.47, 1.92). Although there was evidence of publication bias, however, its effect was not significant.
