Prevalence of Neonatal Sepsis in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction. Neonatal sepsis is a systemic infection occurring in infants during the first 4 weeks of life and is a major cause of mortality and morbidities of newborns due to their age-related weak and immature immune systems. In Ethiopia, despite many studies being conducted on neonatal sepsis, the reported findings are inconsistent. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neonatal sepsis to enhance the utility and interpretation of the evidence. Methods. An extensive systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to extract studies on the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Two independent authors selected and extracted the data from each included article. The heterogeneity of included studies was assessed using the Higgins I2 test, and a random-effects model was performed in Stata/se Version 14. Results. Eighteen studies with a sample size of 10,495 study subjects were included with a reported range of neonatal sepsis from 17% to 78%. The pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 45% (95% CI: 35, 55; I2=99.3%, p<0.01). Early onset neonatal sepsis was found to have a prevalence of 75.4% (95% CI: 68.3, 82.6). Subgroup analysis in the study area (i.e., by region) was calculated revealing the highest neonatal sepsis in Amhara region at 64.4% (95% CI: 44.9, 84.0) and the lowest in Southern Nations, Nationality, and People at 28% (95% CI: 16, 40). Conclusion. In this review, the prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Ethiopia was found to be high, especially in terms of early onset neonatal sepsis. As a result of the findings, it is important to consider the early and optimal points for interventions to better manage the prevalence and outcomes of neonatal sepsis. Further research is needed to investigate the neonatal sepsis status at different regions and associated factors for neonatal sepsis not yet studied.

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Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-257589/v4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dechasa Adare Mengistu ◽

Yohannes Mulugeta Demmu ◽

Addisu Alemu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Boolean Logic ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Low Back ◽

Working Population ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background: Back pains, such as low and upper back pains are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that can cause major public health and socioeconomic problems. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability that reduces worker performance and well-being and increases absence from work, which can cause an enormous economic burden. In developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains and remain less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains among the working population of Ethiopia.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017-2020. Articles were searched from nine electronic databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyzes were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.Results: Of the 1,114 studies identified from the included databases, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain in the previous year was 27.1% [95% CI: 18.4, 37.9] and 54.2% [95% CI: 48.2, 60.0], respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis by publication year, study population and countries where the studies are conducted, the prevalence of upper back pain was 43.8% [95% CI: 39.3, 47.7], 34.7% [95% CI: 33.1, 36.2], and 36.2% [95% CI: 33.6, 39.0], respectively, while the prevalence of low back pain was 61.8% [95% CI: 58.9, 64.6], 52.8% [95% CI: 51.3, 54.3] and 55.2% [95% CI: 51.4, 59.0], respectively.Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 54.2% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous year, while 27.1% experienced upper back pain. These problems may be reduced by considering proper observation of the principles of ergonomics in the workplace, and performing physical exercises on a regular basis.

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Prevalence and risk factors associated with birth asphyxia among neonates delivered in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0255488

Author(s):

Ritbano Ahmed ◽

Hassen Mosa ◽

Mohammed Sultan ◽

Shamill Eanga Helill ◽

Biruk Assefa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Birth Asphyxia ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Chronic Hypertension ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Background A number of primary studies in Ethiopia address the prevalence of birth asphyxia and the factors associated with it. However, variations were seen among those studies. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate the pooled prevalence and explore the factors that contribute to birth asphyxia in Ethiopia. Methods Different search engines were used to search online databases. The databases include PubMed, HINARI, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Relevant grey literature was obtained through online searches. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias, and the I-squared was applied to check the heterogeneity of the studies. Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies that were conducted in Ethiopia were also be included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies and was included in this systematic review. Data entry and statistical analysis were carried out using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 14. Result After reviewing 1,125 studies, 26 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia in Ethiopia was 19.3%. In the Ethiopian context, the following risk factors were identified: Antepartum hemorrhage(OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.1), premature rupture of membrane(OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 12.4, 6.6), primiparas(OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.1), prolonged labor(OR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 6.6), maternal anaemia(OR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.59, 9.94), low birth weight(OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 4.7,6.7), meconium stained amniotic fluid(OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 4.1, 7.5), abnormal presentation(OR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.8, 8.3), preterm birth(OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.9, 5.8), residing in a rural area (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 3.5), caesarean delivery(OR = 4.4; 95% CI:3.1, 6.2), operative vaginal delivery(OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 3.5, 6.7), preeclampsia(OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1, 7.4), tight nuchal cord OR: 3.43; 95% CI: 2.1, 5.6), chronic hypertension(OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.8), and unable to write and read (OR = 4.2;95%CI: 1.7, 10.6). Conclusion According to the findings of this study, birth asphyxia is an unresolved public health problem in the Ethiopia. Therefore, the concerned body needs to pay attention to the above risk factors in order to decrease the country’s birth asphyxia. Review registration PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020165283).

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Efficacy Comparison of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy for Three Subtypes of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2018/1425707 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jianqing Li ◽

Jiayi Xu ◽

Yiyi Chen ◽

Jiaju Zhang ◽

Yihong Cao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Anti Vegf ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean

Purpose. Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has been widely used for the treatment of neovascularization (NV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study aimed to compare the efficacy among different subtypes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies. We performed meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata/SE 12.0. Results. A total of 24 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. At 3 months, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) improvements were −0.09, −0.18, and −0.23 for type 1, 2, and 3, respectively, while the mean macular thickness (MT) changes were −104.83, −130.76, and −196.29 μm. At 12 months, the mean changes in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters were 6.38, 8.12, and 9.37, while the MT decrease was 126.51, 126.52, and 139.85 μm, respectively. However, statistically significant difference was only found between type 1 and 3 in vision improvement, both in the short term (p=0.0002) and long term (p=0.01). Conclusions. The reactivity to VEGF inhibitors varied among different subtypes of nAMD. The efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in type 3 nAMD was statistically better than type 1 when considering vision improvement at 3 and 12 months. Thus, the lesion subtype is a predictor for the treatment outcome which can help guide prognosis.

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Prevalence and incidence of age-related macular degeneration in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-314422 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 104 (8) ◽

pp. 1077-1084 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jeany Q Li ◽

Thomas Welchowski ◽

Matthias Schmid ◽

Matthias Marten Mauschitz ◽

Frank G Holz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Resource Planning ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Population Projections ◽

Age Related ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Incidence Studies

Background/AimsAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in Europe. A further increase in the number of affected persons is expected and current European data are needed for healthcare resource planning.MethodsWe performed a systematic review on the prevalence and incidence of AMD based on the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guideline. Meta-analysis and meta-regression on time-trends, age, countries, regions, sex and classification systems for AMD were performed. Based on Eurostat population projections, the pooled prevalence estimates were extrapolated to the year 2050.ResultsTwenty-two prevalence and four incidence studies published since 1996 were included. Our pooled prevalence estimate of early or intermediate AMD and any late AMD in those 60 years and older was 25.3% (95% CI 18.0% to 34.4%) and 2.4% (95% CI 1.8% to 3.3%), respectively. A significant increase in prevalence was seen in older populations. In the meta-analysis of incidence, the pooled annual incidence of any late AMD was 1.4 per 1 000 individuals (95% CI 0.8 to 2.6). Overall, the number of EU inhabitants with any AMD is expected to increase from 67 to 77 million until 2050. Incident late AMD is estimated to increase from 400 000 per year today to 700 000 per year in 2050.ConclusionsApproximately 67 million people in the EU are currently affected by any AMD and, due to population ageing, this number is expected to increase by 15% until 2050. Monitoring and treatment of people with advanced disease stages will require additional healthcare resources and thorough healthcare planning in the years and decades to come.

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Global prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa and geographical variation—systematic review and meta-analysis

Biomedical Dermatology ◽

10.1186/s41702-019-0052-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kevin Phan ◽

Olivia Charlton ◽

Saxon D. Smith

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Significant Variation ◽

Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Asia Pacific ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

The Usa

Abstract Background There is a significant variation in the reported prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), ranging from 0.03–4%. We hypothesized that this significant variation may be due to different prevalence rates of HS according to geographical location as well as sex. Objective We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine pooled overall prevalence of HS, prevalence stratified according to geographical region and sex. Materials and methods A systematic review was performed by searching Ovid Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, DARE, and Embase, from inception to August 2018. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to determined pooled prevalence rates, with meta-regression based on geographic region. Prevalence in males versus females was also performed according to region. Results The overall pooled prevalence rate was 0.3% (0.2–0.6%) based on 118,760,093 HS cases available. Subgroup analysis demonstrated prevalence differences, with the highest being in Europe 0.8% (0.5–1.3%), compared to the USA 0.2% (0.1–0.4%), Asia-Pacific 0.2% (0.01–2.2%), and South America 0.2% (0.01–0.9%). Prevalence in males was lower compared to females in the USA (OR 0.403, 95% CI 0.37–0.439, P < 0.001) as well as in Europe (OR 0.635, 95% CI 0.397–1.015, P = 0.08) but not in the Asia-Pacific region (OR 0.936, 95% CI 0.319–2.751, P = 0.78). Conclusion Prevalence of HS varies significantly according to the geographical population. This variation is likely attributed to different ethnicity distributions amongst different continents. Level of evidence III

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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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Effect of Sleep Quality on the Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8122156 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 2156 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jacobo Á. Rubio-Arias ◽

Raquel Rodríguez-Fernández ◽

Luis Andreu ◽

Luis M. Martínez-Aranda ◽

Alejandro Martínez-Rodriguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Short Sleep Duration ◽

Related Condition ◽

Age Related ◽

Inadequate Sleep

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition. However, the prevalence of sarcopenia may increase due to a range of other factors, such as sleep quality/duration. Therefore, the aim of the study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults based on their self-reported sleep duration. Methods: Three electronic databases were used—PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We included studies that measured the prevalence of sarcopenia, divided according to sleep quality and excluded studies (a) involving populations with neuromuscular pathologies, (b) not showing prevalence values (cases/control) on sarcopenia, and (c) not including classificatory models to determine sleep quality. Results: high prevalence values in older adults with both long and short sleep duration were shown. However, prevalence values were higher in those with inadequate sleep (<6–8 h or low efficiency) (OR 0.76; 95% CI (0.70–0.83); Q = 1.446; p = 0.695; test for overall effect, Z = 6.01, p < 0.00001). Likewise, higher prevalence levels were shown in men (OR 1.61; 95% CI (0.82–3.16); Q = 11.80; p = 0.0189) compared to women (OR 0.77; 95% CI (0.29–2.03); Q = 21.35; p = 0.0003). Therefore, the prevalence of sarcopenia appears to be associated with sleep quality, with higher prevalence values in older adults who have inadequate sleep.

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Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and its Association with Maternal Employment in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2020

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33296/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

GETU ENGIDA WAKE ◽

YOHANNES MOGES MITTIKU

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Maternal Employment ◽

Maternity Leave ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Ethiopian Government ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the practice of providing only breast-milk for an infant for the first 6 months of life without addition of any other food or water, which recommends initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of life and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or more. There are highly variable findings regarding the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Maternal employment is the most important factor contributing to the low practice of exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its association with maternal employment in the context of Ethiopia.Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases such as; PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane library, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal. Results: Forty-five studies were included in the final analysis after reviewing 751 studies in this meta-analysis yielding the pooled prevalence of EBF 60.42% (95% CI: 55.81-65.02%) in Ethiopia. The subgroup analysis showed the highest prevalence reported in a study conducted in SNNP and Tigray( 87.84%), a study published during (2015-2016) (64.60 %), and among studies with a sample size of less than 500 (64.15%). Those employed mothers were 57% less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to unemployed mothers in Ethiopia [OR] 0.43; 95% CI (0.31, 0.61).Conclusions: Maternal employment was significantly associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to their counterparts. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia is low in comparison to the global recommendation. Based On our findings, we recommended that the Ethiopian government should increase legislated paid maternity leave after delivery beyond current paid maternity leave and implement policies that empower women and create a conducive environment for mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace.

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Breast self-examination practice and its determinants among women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245252 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. e0245252

Author(s):

Yordanos Gizachew Yeshitila ◽

Getachew Mullu Kassa ◽

Selamawit Gebeyehu ◽

Peter Memiah ◽

Melaku Desta

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Regional Distribution ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

African Countries ◽

Breast Self Examination ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Self Examination

Background The survival rate from breast cancer is lowest in African countries and the distribution of breast self-examination practice of and its determinants are not well investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the pooled prevalence of breast self-examination and its associated factors among women in Ethiopia. Methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases used were; PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, CINAHL, African Journals Online, Dimensions and Summon per country online databases. Search terms used were; breast self-examination, breast cancer screening, early detection of breast cancer and Ethiopia. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 15 software. The pooled meta-analysis was computed to present the pooled prevalence and relative risks (RRs) of the determinate factors with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results We identified 2,637 studies, of which, 40 articles (with 17,820 participants) were eligible for inclusion in the final meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of breast self-examination in Ethiopia was 36.72% (95% CI: 29.90, 43.53). The regional distribution breast self-examination ranged from 21.2% (95% CI: 4.49, 37.91) in Tigray to 61.5% (95% CI: 53.98, 69.02) in Gambela region. The lowest prevalence of breast self-examination was observed among the general population (20.43% (95% CI: 14.13, 26.72)). Women who had non-formal educational status (OR = 0.4 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.77)), family history of breast cancer (OR = 2.04 (95% CI: 1.23, 3.39)), good knowledge of breast self-examination (OR = 4.8 (95% CI: 3.03, 7.6)) and favorable attitude toward breast self-examination (OR = 2.75, (95% CI: 1.66, 4.55)) were significantly associated with practice of breast self-examination. Conclusions Only a third of women in Ethiopia practiced breast examination despite WHO guidelines advocating for this practice among all women of reproductive age. Intervention programs should address the factors that are associated with breast self-examination. Population specific programs are needed to promote breast self-examination.

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Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice in Ethiopia and its association with maternal employment: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2019.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33572/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Getu Engida Wake ◽

Yohannes Moges Mittiku

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽

Maternal Employment ◽

Maternity Leave ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Ethiopian Government ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding defined as the practice of providing only breast-milk for an infant for the first 6 months of life without the addition of any other food or water, which recommends initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of life and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or more. Maternal employment is the most important factor contributing to the low practice of exclusive breastfeeding. However; the effect of maternal employment on exclusive breastfeeding is not investigated in Ethiopia. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases used were; PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane library were systematically searched. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of studies. Results: thirty-six studies were included in the final analysis after reviewing 541 studies in this meta-analysis yielding the pooled prevalence of EBF 59.76% (95% CI: 54.84, 64.68) in Ethiopia.Those employed mothers were 57% less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to unemployed mothers in Ethiopia [OR] 0.43; 95% CI (0.3, 0.62).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in this meta-analysis is low in comparison to the global recommendation of the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Maternal employment was significantly associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to their counterparts. Based On our review findings, we recommended that the Ethiopian government should increase legislated paid maternity leave after delivery beyond current paid maternity leave and implement policies that empower women and create a conducive environment for mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding at the workplace.

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