scholarly journals Role of Iron in the Reduction of Anemia Among Women of Reproductive Age in Low-Middle Income Countries: Insights From Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author(s):  
Sumera Aziz Ali ◽  
Shama Razzaq ◽  
Savera Aziz ◽  
Ahreen Allana ◽  
Arzina Aziz Ali ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundIron deficiency anemia is a common public health problem problem among women of reproductive age (WRA) as it is can lead to unfavorable maternal and birth outcomes. Although studies are undertaken to assess the efficacy of iron, there are some gaps and limitations in the existing studies that need to be addressed. To address the gaps, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the existing evidence regarding the role of iron in decreasing anemia among WRA in low-middle-income countries.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Science Direct were systematically searched using a comprehensive search strategy for randomized controlled trials published between 2000 to 2020. Mean change in hemoglobin level was assessed as a primary outcome. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the pooled effect of all studies using standardized mean differences and their respective 95% CI. We assessed heterogeneity and publication bias using I2 statistics and Egger’s test respectively. This review was conducted with the help of updated guidelines based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysisResultsGenerally, the results demonstrated a favorable effect of iron therapy in improving hemoglobin levels with variation across studies. An overall pooled effect estimate for the role of iron therapy in decreasing the burden of anemia among WRA was -0.51 (95% CI: -1.03 to 0.01) (p = 0.04). Likewise, iron therapy improved ferritin levels and decreased the prevalence of anemia. The heterogeneity across included studies was found to be statistically significant as indicated by the parameters of heterogeneity (Q = 1191.60, I2 = 98.24%, p = 0.000). ConclusionIron therapy in any form may reduce the burden of anemia and improve the hemoglobin and ferritin levels, indicating improvement in iron-deficiency anemia. However, more evidence is needed to assess the morbidity associated with iron consumption such as side effects, work performance, economic outcomes, mental health, and compliance to the intervention with a special focus on married but non-pregnant women planning a pregnancy in near future. A systematic review and Meta-analysis registration: Registered with PROSPERO and ID is CRD42020185033

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ackah ◽  
Louise Ameyaw ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Cynthia Osei Yeboah ◽  
Nana Esi Wood ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Seroprevalence of SARS Cov-2 provides a good indication of the extent of exposure and spread in the population, as well as those likely to benefit from a vaccine candidate. To date, there is no published or ongoing systematic review on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis will estimate SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence and the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in LMICs.Methods We will search PubMed, EMBASE, WHO COVID-19 Global research database, Google Scholar, the African Journals Online, LILAC, HINARI, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Cochrane Library for potentially useful studies on seroprevalence of COVID-19 in LMICs from December 2019 to December 2020 without language restriction. Two authors will independently screen all the articles, select studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and extract data using a pre-tested data extraction form. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the authors. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 for people from LMICs will be calculated. Random effects model will be used in case of substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, otherwise fixed-effect model will be used. A planned subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses will be performed. For comparative studies, the analyses will be performed using Review Manager v 5.4; otherwise, STATA 16 will be used. All effect estimates will be presented with their confidence intervals.Discussion The study will explore and systematically review empirical evidence on SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence in LMICs, and to assess the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in Low Middle Income Countries in the context of rolling out vaccines in these countries. Finally, explore risk classifications to help with the rolling out of vaccines in LMICs.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD422020221548).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumera Aziz Ali ◽  
Savera Aziz ◽  
Ahreen Allana ◽  
Arzina Aziz Ali ◽  
Fazal Ur- Raheman

Abstract Background Iron deficiency anemia is a major public health issue among women of reproductive age (WRA), as it leads to high maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The WHO recommends the distribution of iron supplements to all women in populations in which the prevalence of anemia (in women) exceeds 20%. Interventional studies have been carried out in developing countries regarding the efficacy and safety of iron in reducing anemia among women of reproductive age. However, the findings from randomized controlled trials have not been systematically synthesized. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to both qualitatively and quantitatively assess the evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of iron as an intervention for reducing anemia among women of reproductive age in developing countries. Methods This review and meta-analysis will focus on assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of iron as an intervention for reducing anemia among women of reproductive age. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct will be explored using a detailed search strategy. A study will be considered eligible if it is a randomized controlled trial determining the efficacy and effectiveness of iron in anemia reduction among WRA (15-49 years) in developing countries and published in the English language in a peer-reviewed local or international journal from 2000 to 2020. We will perform a meta-analysis to measure the effect of individual studies as well as the pooled effect of all studies by generating forest plots. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I 2 statistics and a funnel plot will be developed to assess the publication bias. Discussion This systematic review will provide an opportunity to synthesize and critically appraise the findings from individual studies on the efficacy and effectiveness of iron as an intervention for reducing anemia among women of reproductive age to generate a comprehensive summary. These aggregated findings, in turn, can guide clinical practice and help clinicians, researchers and policymakers make evidence-based decisions to address this pressing health concern among women of reproductive age residing in developing countries. The findings of the review will be disseminated through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanne Assies ◽  
Ilse Snik ◽  
Yamikani Chimalizeni ◽  
Mercy Kumwenda ◽  
Josephine Langton ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 310-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keren Mandelzweig ◽  
Aleksandra Leligdowicz ◽  
Srinivas Murthy ◽  
Rejani Lalitha ◽  
Robert A. Fowler ◽  
...  

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