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Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews


Subject Headings

What are subject headings?

*The "official" database vocabulary.

*Words and phrases that have been chosen to describe article topics.

*Words and phrases that will provide a more focused, accurate search.

How can I Locate Subject Headings for my Search?

Subject headings are available in the following areas:

  • From the results list page, click subject terms under Subject to add to your search

      Check multiple subjects or click on one

  • In the individual article record, click on a subject term to run a new search for articles with the term

Medical Subject Headings circled in screenshot

  • In the Subject Term Index:

    • Click on Indexes at the top of the page

    • Indexes circled in header
    • Select an index, such as MeSH Headings (subject terms).

      Screenshot of Indexes dropdown menu selecting MeSH

    1. Enter a search term in the Browse For: box and click on Browse

    2. To search for articles with a certain subject term, click the box in front of the term

    3. Click Add

    •  Screenshot with Browse circled and numbered 1, subject terms checked and numbered 2, and Add circled and numbered 3
       

     
    • Go to the top search box, which should now contain the subject term(s) and click Search.

      screenshot of search box with arrow pointing to search button