Prevalence of anencephaly in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AbstractAnencephaly is a severe anomaly of the brain that results from the failure of the cephalic part of the neural tube to close during the fourth week. It occurs at least in one per thousand births and is the major cause of fetal loss and disabilities in newborns. The objective of this review is to determine the birth prevalence of anencephaly in Africa. We identified relevant studies via a search of databases like PubMed Central, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Joanna Briggs Institute, African Journals Online, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. After examining the heterogeneity of studies via the Cochran Q test and I2 test (and Forest plot for visual inspection), the prevalence of anencephaly was estimated using the random-effect meta-analysis model. Consequently, we carried out subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression, trim and fill, time-trend, and meta-cumulative analyses. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the twenty-four studies reported a total of 4,963,266 births. The pooled birth prevalence of anencephaly in Africa was 0.14% (95% CI: 0.12, 0.15%). Higher burden of anencephaly was detected in Ethiopia (0.37%, CI: 0.15, 0.58%), Algeria (0.24%, CI: 0.24, 0.25%), and Eritrea (0.19%, CI: 0.19, 0.19%). The higher pooled prevalence of anencephaly was observed in the studies that included both live births and stillbirths (0.16%) and in studies done after the year 2010 (0.25%) whereas, the lower burden was detected among countries that had a mandatory folic acid fortification (0.05%). High birth prevalence of anencephaly was detected in Africa. Strong prevention and control measures should be the priority because of an increment in the magnitude of anencephaly. Helping in prevention programs, which should be the ultimate contribution of this study to the field.

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Prevalence of Spina Bifida among Newborns in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2020/4273510 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Mohammed Oumer ◽

Molla Taye ◽

Hailu Aragie ◽

Ashenafi Tazebew

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Spina Bifida ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Fetal Loss ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Birth Prevalence ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Spina bifida is an abnormal closure of the neural tube during the fourth week of development. It is the major cause of fetal loss and considerable disabilities in newborns. The aim of this review is to determine the pooled prevalence of spina bifida among newborns in Africa. PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Library, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, African Journals Online, and Embase databases were systematically searched. Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were applied to assess heterogeneity across studies. A random-effect model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence of spina bifida. Forest plot and Galbraith’s plot were used to visualize heterogeneity. Subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression, and meta-cumulative analyses were performed. All essential data were extracted using a standardized data extraction format, and the JBI quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of studies. Egger’s test and Begg’s test were used in order to detect the publication bias. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, 6,587,298 births in twenty-seven studies were included. The pooled birth prevalence of spina bifida in Africa was 0.13% with a range between 0.12% and 0.14%. In Africa, the highest burden of spina bifida was detected in Algeria (0.43%), Ethiopia (0.32%), Tanzania (0.26%), Cameron (0.12%), Egypt (0.10%), and South Africa (0.10%). The lowest burden of spina bifida was detected in Libya (0.006%) and Tunisia (0.009%). The high birth prevalence of spina bifida was detected in Africa. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of spina bifida among study countries in Africa. The authors recommend that special awareness creation with the help of health education intervention should be provided for mothers to focus on prevention in order to reduce the burden of spina bifida.

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Birth prevalence of encephalocele in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e001117

Author(s):

Mohammed Oumer ◽

Alemnew Demissie Kassahun

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Live Birth ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Congenital Defects ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Birth Prevalence ◽

Mesh Terms

ObjectiveTo identify the birth prevalence of encephalocele in Africa, 2020.MethodsWe carried out a systematic search of the following databases (PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Library, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, African Journals Online and Embase), using search terms (prevalence, encephalocele, “neural tube defects”, “cranium bifidum”, “congenital malformations”, “congenital defects”, “structural birth defects”, “structural abnormalities”, newborns/neonates/ “live births”/ “stillbirths” and their MeSH Terms) up to 16 July 2021. The JBI quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of studies when they were abstracted using a standardised data extraction template. The I2 statistic and Cochrane Q test were used to examine heterogeneity across studies statistically. The prevalence of encephalocele was estimated using a random-effect meta-analysis model. Subgroup, sensitivity, meta-regression and time trend analysis were carried out. The publication bias was checked using Egger and Begg’s tests.ResultsTwenty-seven relevant studies were identified and provided a total of 5 107 109 births. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled birth prevalence of encephalocele in Africa was 0.02% (or 2 per 10 000 births) (95% CI 0.02% to 0.03%). The overall prevalence of birth encephalocele using the median from studies was 0.02% (IQR=0.01%–0.04%). Higher prevalence of encephalocele was detected in Nigeria 0.06% (95% CI 0.04% to 0.08%), Sudan 0.04% (95% CI 0.03% to 0.05%), Egypt 0.04% (95% CI 0.04% to 0.05%), DR of Congo 0.02% (95% CI 0.02% to 0.03%), Ethiopia 0.02% (95% CI −0.004% to 0.05%) and Tanzania 0.02% (95% CI 0.002% to 0.04%). The prevalence of encephalocele per live birth was 0.03% and both live birth and stillbirth was 0.03%.ConclusionsThis review indicates a high prevalence of encephalocele, but studies were limited suggesting the need for additional research.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021242161.

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Effect of Listening to Music on Wingate Anaerobic Test Performance. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17124564 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (12) ◽

pp. 4564 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro ◽

Diego Marqués-Jiménez ◽

Julio Calleja-González ◽

Aitor Viribay ◽

Patxi León-Guereño ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Anaerobic Exercise ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Wingate Anaerobic Test ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Anaerobic Test

Background: There are many athletes who like to listen to music while making a high intensity effort. However, research into the effects of listening to music on athletic performance has provided controversial results, and it is suggested that the timing and type of music might affect the anaerobic performance response. Purpose: The main aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects while listening to music tasks via the 30 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) on absolute performance and relative peak power (APP and RPP), absolute and relative mean power (AMP and RMP), and fatigue index (FI). Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used as a basis for conducting this systematic review, with inclusion criteria being set out according to the PICOS model. Computer-based literature research was undertaken until 10 March 2020 using the following online databases: PubMed/Medline, WOS, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The literature was reviewed with regard to the effects of listening to music on the WAnT using several music variables on: APP, RPP, AMP, RMP and FI. Hedges’ g formula was used to calculate both standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals, in order to establish continuous outcomes. Furthermore, the I2 statistic evaluated systematic differences (heterogeneity) together with a random effect meta-analysis model. Results: This systematic review included nine articles that researched into the effects of music on WAnT performance (six studies describe improvements in APP and/or RPP, four in AMP and/or RMP and three in FI). The random effects model was used to undertake a final meta-analysis, with standardized mean differences (SMD) and magnitude of standardized mean differences (MSMD) (Hedges’ g) being pooled accordingly. The resulting meta-analysis incorporated eight studies that had been previously published, with results showing that there were no apparent beneficial effects on APP (p = 0.09), AMP (p = 0.33) and FI (p = 0.46) as a consequence of listening to music. However, listening to music showed beneficial effects on RPP (SMD: 0.65; 95%: CI 0.35 to 0.96; MSMD: moderate; I2, 0%; p < 0.001) and RMP (SMD: 1.03; 95%: CI, 0.63 to 1.42; MSMD: trivial; I2, 0%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that listening to music during the WAnT might physiologically enhance relative anaerobic exercise performance, although reasons remain speculative.

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Prevalence of Goiter Among School-Aged Children in Ethiopia: Update of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Global Advances in Health and Medicine ◽

10.1177/2164956120988660 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 216495612098866

Author(s):

Yohannes Tekalegn ◽

Kebebe Bekele ◽

Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽

Demelash Woldeyohannes

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Iodine Deficiency ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Health Concern ◽

School Age Children ◽

Forest Plot ◽

School Age ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Background Iodine deficiency is a major public health concern throughout the world. Goiter is the most visible sign of iodine deficiency. In Ethiopia, a study finding regarding the prevalence of goiter among school-age children is inconsistent and highly variable. Objectives To estimate the pooled prevalence of goiter among school-age children in Ethiopia. Methods Three international databases (MEDLINE/Pub-Med, Google Scholar and Science Direct) were systematically searched. Besides, the reference sections of identified articles were searched to increase the chance of detecting missed articles in gray literature. STATA Version 14 statistical software was used to conduct a meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval was displayed using the forest plot. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to compute the pooled prevalence, and The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Results A total of 14 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and included in this systematic review and Meta-analysis, with a total sample size of 26,282. The finding of this systematic review revealed that the pooled prevalence of goiter among school-age children was 42.9% (95% CI: 38.8–46.9). The highest prevalence of goiter (46.7%) was observed in Oromia region and the lowest (26.3%) was observed in Benishangul-Gumuz region. Conclusions This review finding revealed that more than two in five of the school children in Ethiopia suffer from iodine deficiency disorder as manifested by the goiter rate.

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Prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-019-4686-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alemu Gebrie ◽

Animut Alebel ◽

Abriham Zegeye ◽

Bekele Tesfaye ◽

Fasil Wagnew

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Active Trachoma ◽

Prevalence Studies

Abstract Background Trachoma is the commonest infectious cause of blindness. It is prevalent in areas where personal and community hygiene is poor, and it mainly affects deprived and marginalized communities most importantly in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis was employed to determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children in Ethiopia. We searched databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. To estimate the prevalence, studies reporting the prevalence of active trachoma and its associated factors were included. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction format prepared in Microsoft excel and the analysis was done using STATA 14 statistical software. To assess heterogeneity, the Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test were used. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta- analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of active trachoma. Moreover, the association between factors and active trachoma were examined. Results The result of 30 eligible studies showed that the overall prevalence of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia was 26.9% (95% CI: 22.7, 31.0%). In the subgroup analysis, while the highest prevalence was reported in SNNP (35.8%; 95% CI: 22.7, 48.8), the lowest prevalence was reported in Oromia region (20.2%; 95% CI: 12.2, 28.2). Absence of latrine: OR 6.0 (95% CI 2.0, 17.5), the unclean faces of children: OR 5.5 (95% CI 2.8, 10.9), and no reported use of soap for washing: OR 3.3 (95% CI 1.8, 6.0) have shown a positive association with active trachoma among children. Conclusion From this review, it has been concluded that active trachoma among children is still a public health problem in different districts of Ethiopia. The prevalence of almost all studies are significantly higher than WHO target for elimination. Absence of latrine, unclean faces of children, no reported use of soap for washing are the important factors associated with active trachoma among children.

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Magnitude of Postpartum Hemorrhage and Its Associated Factors in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-993345/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jemberu Nigussie ◽

Bekahegn Girma ◽

Alemayehu Molla ◽

Takila Tamir ◽

Rute Tilahun

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Postpartum Hemorrhage ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Microsoft Excel ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity ◽

Prolonged Labor

Abstract Background: Postpartum hemorrhage or postpartum bleeding (PPH) is often defined as loss of > 500 ml of blood after vaginal delivery or > 1,000 ml after cesarean delivery within 24 hrs. Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading direct cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage and the pooled effect size of the associated factors in Ethiopia.Methods: Primary studies were searched in PubMed / MEDLINE online, Science Direct and Hinari Cochrane Library, CINAHL, African Journals Online databases, Google and Google Scholars. The search for studies was not limited by time and all articles up to October 10/2021 were included. The data extraction format was prepared in Microsoft Excel. The data extracted from the Microsoft Excel format was exported to Stata Version 16.0 statistical software for analysis. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 test and Egger's weighted regression test was used to assess publication bias.Result: A total of 165 records from the electronic databases were excluded, but 145 records were excluded for different reasons, and finally 20 studies were included in this final analysis. The pooled magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia was 8.18% [(95% CI; 6.996 - 9.363]. Older age [OR= 5.038 (95% CI; 2.774 - 9.151)], prolonged labor [OR = 4.054 (95% CI; 1.484 - 11.074)], absence of ANC visit [OR = 13.84 (95% CI; 5.57 - 34.346)] grand-multiparty, [OR = 6.584 (95% CI; 1.902 - 22.795)], and history of postpartum hemorrhage [OR = 4.355 (95% CI; 2.347 - 8.079)] were identified as factors for the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage.Conclusions: This study concludes that the magnitude of postpartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia was moderately high. The finding was strongly help different stakeholder working in maternal and child health to focus on the main contributors factors to reduce PPH. Health professionals attending delivery should emphasize high-risk groups of mothers. Encouraging ANC visit and prevent prolonged labor should be recommended to reduce the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage.

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Efficacy of olanzapine for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e21692 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e21692-e21692

Author(s):

Rohit Kumar ◽

Naina Singh ◽

Romy Jose Thekkekara ◽

Sunny R K Singh ◽

Sarah Elizabeth Harrington ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Nausea And Vomiting ◽

Antiemetic Therapy ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Effect Analysis ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Random Effect Analysis

e21692 Background: Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication which has shown efficacy in prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in multiple trials. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Olanzapine to prevent CINV with an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A literature search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library was performed to identify randomized controlled trials of olanzapine compared to other antiemetic therapy (5HT3 and/or NK1 antagonist with or without steroids) for prevention of CINV in patients age >=18 years up until December 2016. The primary endpoint was no emesis or nausea episodes in acute (0-24hrs), delayed (24-120hrs) and overall (0-120hrs) period in patients receiving highly or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC or MEC). Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan 5.3). The Mantel–Haenszel method was applied and random effect analysis model was used to calculate risk ratios. Results: From the literature, 12 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The age range of patients was 18-89 years. Seven trials included only patients who received HEC while 5 trials included patients receiving either HEC or MEC in various proportions. Olanzapine was statistically superior for 5 primary endpoints except for no nausea in acute period (Table 1). In the non-steroids cohort, olanzapine was superior for no emesis in all 3 periods but statistically significant only for delayed period. Conclusions: Olanzapine is superior to other antiemetic therapy for prevention of CINV. It is less expensive and can improve patient’s quality of life and chemotherapy adherence. [Table: see text]

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Predictive value of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in relation to fetal loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v13i6.7281 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Hadizadeh-Talasaz ◽

Ali Taghipour ◽

Seyede Houra Mousavi-Vahed ◽

Robab Latifnejad Roudsari

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Likelihood Ratio ◽

Plasma Protein ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Protein A ◽

Fetal Loss ◽

Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽

Negative Likelihood Ratio ◽

Forest Plot

Background: For a woman with bleeding and threatened abortion, ultrasound scan is done to confirm the viability of the fetus; however, 10-15% of the embryos are eventually aborted. Distinguishing between women with good and poor prognosis can be a helpful approach. Objective: This study aimed to review the predictive value of Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) in relation to the diagnosis of fetal loss. Materials and Methods: The articles published in multiple databases including Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Persian databases such as ISC, Magiran, and IranMedx were searched for articles published until May 2019. MeSH terms was used for searching the databases including fetal loss OR pregnancy loss OR abortion OR miscarriage with the following word using AND; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein- A OR PAPP-A. Two reviewers extracted data and recorded them in a pre-defined form and assessed the quality of articles using the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. Meta-analysis was done using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis/2.0 software and MetaDisc. Results: A total number of 16 studies were eligible for the qualitative data synthesis, out of which 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. All studies had high and medium quality. The forest plot analysis showed a sensitivity of 57% (95% CI: 53-63%), a specificity of 83% (95% CI: 80-85%), a positive likelihood ratio of 3.52 (95% CI: 2.44- 5.07), a negative likelihood ratio of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.37-0.79), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 6.95 (95% CI: 3.58-13.50). Conclusion: PAPP-A cannot be recommended on a routine basis for predicting fetal loss and still further research with a combination of other biomarkers is required. Key words: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, Fetal loss, Pregnancy, Systematic review.

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Front-line staff's perspective on patient safety culture in Iranian medical centers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine ◽

10.3233/jrs-191021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 193-207

Author(s):

Omid Khosravizadeh ◽

Mohammad Mohseni ◽

Najmeh Baghian ◽

Aisa Maleki ◽

Ailar Hashtroodi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Patient Safety ◽

Safety Culture ◽

Medical Center ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Computer Software ◽

Patient Safety Culture ◽

Forest Plot

BACKGROUND: The prerequisite for promoting safety culture is to assess the existing safety culture level of institutes, because safety precautions without appropriate evaluation increase costs and unforeseen risks. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review the status of patient safety culture from the perspective of clinical personnel at Iranian hospitals through a meta-analysis of studies using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) questionnaire. METHODS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in 2018. Data were gathered by searching Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases up to November 2018. Search keywords were “patient”, “safety”, “culture”, “healthcare”, “hospital”, “medical center”, “HSOPSC tool”, and “Iran”. The search protocol was limited to 10 years. To estimate the PSC score, computer software CMA:2 (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis) was used. The presence of heterogeneity across the studies was assessed with the I2 statistic. A forest plot was used to report the results. Publication bias was assessed through a funnel plot. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of studies showed that the PSC score based on the random effect model was 52.7% (95% CI: 50.2%–55.2%), (Q = 522.3, df = 54, P < 0.05, I2 = 89.6). A mean of 12 dimensions of HSOPSC showed that the “Teamwork within units” dimension had the highest PSC score (67.2%) and “Non-punitive response to error” had the lowest score (40.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Managers and policymakers should be directed towards non-punitive responses to errors and persuade staff to report errors and execute the approach to learn from mistakes. Also, a periodic government evaluation of the patient safety culture will help further its sustainable development.

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Prevalence of Syphilis among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/4562385 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Siraj Hussen ◽

Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Screening Program ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Sub Saharan

Objective. Syphilis is one of the most imperative STIs, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. During pregnancy it is associated with disastrous health outcomes in the newborn. In sub-Saharan Africa, study findings on the prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women are highly dispersed and inconsistent. The aim of the current review is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa among pregnant women. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data Sources. Databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and HINARI and reference lists of previous prevalence studies were systematically searched for relevant literature from January 1999 to November 2018. Results were presented in forest plot, tables, and figures. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. For the purpose of this review, a case of syphilis was defined as positive treponemal or nontreponemal tests among pregnant women. Data Extraction. Our search gave a total of 262 citations from all searched databases. Of these, 44 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria and comprising 175,546 subjects were finally included. Results. The pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa was 2.9% (95%CI: 2.4%-3.4%). East and Southern African regions had a higher syphilis prevalence among pregnant women (3.2%, 95% CI: 2.3%-4.2% and 3.6%, 95%CI: 2.0%-5.1%, respectively) than the sub-Saharan African pooled prevalence. The prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in most parts of the region seemed to have decreased over the past 20 years except for the East African region. However, prevalence did not significantly differ by region and time period. Conclusion. This review showed a high prevalence of syphilis in sub-Saharan Africa among pregnant women. The evidence suggests strengthening the screening program during pregnancy as part of the care package during antenatal care visits. Programs focusing on primary prevention of syphilis in women should also be strengthened.

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