st: Meta analysis of subgroups in Stata using the -by- option

[Vivien L Hendry <vlh500@york.ac.uk>]

Dear Statalist,

I am trying to perform subgroup analyses within a larger meta analysis of 
effect sizes (odds ratios). The meta analysis commands appear to have 
installed successfully (in version 9.2) and all other meta & metan commands 
are working. The analyse -by variable- option appears to exist as an option 
in the metan window, but the analysis itself will not run. I keep getting 
the response that "option by() not allowed r(198)", regardless of whether 
the commands are given via the pop-up window or typed in directly as -metan 
abcd, by(variable)-.

Please could you give me some pointers on how to get this command to work? 
I haven't been able to find information on how to deal with this elsewhere. 
If not, is anyone aware of an alternative method that I could try, please?

Thank you!  I'd appreciate any help you could give me.
Vivien Hendry

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