scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene practice and its determinants among Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsay Woldu Anbesu ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hygiene Practice ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to gynecological problems, psychosocial stress, and reduced access to school. Menstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, there are fragmented and inconsistent findings in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practice and identify its associated factors among adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The protocol for this review was registered at PROSPERO with registration number: CRD42020165628. In this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used to report the protocol. Online electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL and unpublished grey literature will be searched to retrieve available studies from January 1-May/2021. The selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies will be carried by two authors. Joanna Briggs Institute checklist will be used to assess the quality of the studies. Heterogeneity among studies will be examined using a chi-squared test and I-squared statistic. To investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be done based on region and sample size. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to identify influential studies. Publication bias will be examined by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The statistical analysis will be conducted using STATA version-14 software. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence, and statistical significance will be determined at a p-value of <0.05.Discussion: Poor menstrual hygiene practice affects the health of millions of adolescent girls in developing countries. Currently, there are no synthesis research findings on the pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practice and its associated factor in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be helpful to inform policy-makers, planners, and researchers to design appropriate interventions.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene practice and its determinants among Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsay Woldu Anbesu ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hygiene Practice ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to gynecological problems, psychosocial stress, and reduced access to school. Menstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, there were fragmented and inconsistent findings. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practice and identify its associated factors among adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The protocol for this review had registered at PROSPERO with registration number: CRD42020165628. In this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used. Online electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL and grey literature will be searched to retrieve available studies. Joanna Briggs Institute checklist will be used to assess the quality of the studies. Heterogeneity among studies will be examined using a chi-squared test and I-squared statistic.To investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be performed. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to identify influential studies. Publication bias will be examined by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The statistical analysis will be conducted using STATA version-16 software. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence, and statistical significance will be determined at a p-value of <0.05.Discussion: Poor menstrual hygiene practice affects the health of millions of adolescent girls in developing countries. Currently, there are no synthesis research findings on the overall pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practice and its associated factor in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis will be used to inform policy-makers, programmers, planners, clinicians, and researchers to design appropriate strategies.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene practice and its determinants among Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsay Woldu Anbesu ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hygiene Practice ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to gynecological problems, psychosocial stress, and reduced access to school. Menstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, there are fragmented and inconsistent findings in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practice and identify its associated factors among adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The protocol for this review was registered at PROSPERO with registration number: CRD42020165628. In this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used to report the protocol. Online electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL and unpublished grey literature will be searched to retrieve available studies from January 1-May/2021. The selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies will be carried by two authors. Joanna Briggs Institute checklist will be used to assess the quality of the studies. Heterogeneity among studies will be examined using a chi-squared test and I-squared statistic. To investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be done based on region and sample size. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to identify influential studies. Publication bias will be examined by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The statistical analysis will be conducted using STATA version-14 software. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence, and statistical significance will be determined at a p-value of <0.05.Discussion: Poor menstrual hygiene practice affects the health of millions of adolescent girls in developing countries. Currently, there are no synthesis research findings on the pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practice and its associated factor in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be helpful to inform policy-makers, planners, and researchers to design appropriate interventions.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene practice and its determinants among Adolescent Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsay Woldu Anbesu ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hygiene Practice ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to gynecological problems, psychosocial stress, and reduced access to school. Menstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, there are fragmented and inconsistent findings. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practice and identify its associated factors among adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The protocol for this review had registered at PROSPERO with registration number: CRD42020165628. In this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used to report the protocol. Online electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL and grey literature will be searched to retrieve available studies. Joanna Briggs Institute checklist will be used to assess the quality of the studies. Heterogeneity among studies will be examined using a chi-squared test and I-squared statistic. To investigate sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be performed. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to identify influential studies. Publication bias will be examined by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The statistical analysis will be conducted using STATA version-14 software. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence, and statistical significance will be determined at a p-value of <0.05.Discussion: Poor menstrual hygiene practice affects the health of millions of adolescent girls in developing countries. Currently, there are no meta-analysis research findings on the overall pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practice and its associated factor in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis will be used to inform policy-makers, programmers, planners, clinicians, and researchers to design appropriate strategies.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene practice among female adolescents and its association with knowledge in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0254092
Author(s):  
Melaku Yalew ◽  
Bezawit Adane ◽  
Mastewal Arefaynie ◽  
Bereket Kefale ◽  
Yitayish Damtie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Hygiene Practice ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Change Communication ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
The Government

Background Previous studies on menstrual hygiene practice were largely inconsistent and single national evidence is required. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene and its association with knowledge about menstrual hygiene among female adolescents in Ethiopia. Methods The study was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-2015 Guidelines). This systematic review included studies conducted on female adolescents in Ethiopia irrespective of their publication and study period until the end of July 1, 2020. The data extracted in the Microsoft Excel sheet format was exported into the STATA/SE14 version statistical software for further analysis. I2 test was used to test heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed by using Egger’s weighted regression test. Results Thirteen full-text articles including 6907 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using the random effect model, the pooled prevalence of poor menstrual hygiene practice was 48.98% [95% CI: (36.42, 61.53)]. Those female adolescents who had poor knowledge were 2.6 times more likely to have poor menstrual hygiene practice as compared to counterparts [AOR = 2.61, 95% CI: (1.45, 4.72)]. Conclusions The prevalence of poor menstrual hygiene practice was high and knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene was significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practice. Information education communication and behavioral change communication at all levels of education should be the primary focus area of the government.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Alcohol consumption and its associated factors among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis' as given in the submission system

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alemu Earsido Addila ◽  
Telake Azale Bisetegn ◽  
Yigzaw Kebede Gete ◽  
Mezgebu Yitayal Mengistu ◽  
Getnet Mihretie Beyene
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption during pregnancy represents a significant public health concern. It has several adverse health effects for both the mother and the developing fetus. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and the effect size of associated factors of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Methods The results of the review were reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement (PRISMA) guideline and, it was registered in the Prospero database, number CRD42019127103. The available primary studies were collated from different databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, African Journals Online and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Library. The main search terms were [((alcohol consumption) OR (alcohol drinking) OR (alcohol use) OR (ethanol use) OR (alcohol exposure)) AND ((pregnant women) OR (pregnant mother) OR (during pregnancy)) AND (Sub-Saharan Africa)]. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for critical appraisal of studies. The random-effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity between studies was checked using the I2 statistic and the Cochrane Q test. Results The review resulted in 963 original studies after searching various databases, and finally 37 studies in qualitative synthesis and 30 articles in the systematic review and meta-analysis were included. The overall summary estimate of the prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy was found to be 20.83% (95% CI: 18.21, 23.46). The pooled estimate of meta-analysis showed that depression (OR: 1.572; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.845), partners’ alcohol use (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.57), knowledge on harmful effect of alcohol consumption (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.45) and, unplanned pregnancy (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.63) were statistically significant factors with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Conclusions The result showed that there was high alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Sub- Saharan Africa. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy was associated with depression, partners’ alcohol use, unplanned pregnancy and knowledge of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Therefore, this will be a basis for public policy and resource allocation for prevention initiatives.

scholarly journals Under-nutrition and associated factors among children infected with human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2022 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jemberu Nigussie ◽  
Bekahegn Girma ◽  
Alemayehu Molla ◽  
Moges Mareg ◽  
Esmelealem Mihretu
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Clinical Staging ◽  
Under Nutrition ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background In the developing world, such as the sub-Saharan African region, HIV/AIDS has worsened the impact of under-nutrition in children. HIV infected children are highly vulnerable to under-nutrition. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of under-nutrition, and the pooled effect sizes of associated factors among HIV-infected children in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The primary studies for this review were retrieved from PubMed/ MEDLINE online, Science Direct, Hinari, web of science, CINHAL, EMBASE, WHO databases, Google, and Google Scholar databases. The articles selected for this meta-analysis were published between 2010 and 2020. The last search date was 18 October 2021. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel format and exported to STATA Version 14.0. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 test. The Egger weighted regression test was used to assess publication bias. Results We retrieved 847 records from these databases. Of which records, 813 were excluded due to different reasons and 34 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in HIV infected children was 46.7% (95% CI; 40.36–53.07, I2 = 98.7%, p < 0.01), 35.9% (95% CI; 30.79–41.02, I2 = 97.4% p < 0.01), and 23.0% (95% CI; 18.67–27.42, I2 = 96.9%, p < 0.01) respectively. The advanced WHO HIV/AIDS clinical staging (III&IV) [OR = 6.74 (95%: 1.747, 26.021), I2 = 94.7%] and household food insecurity were associated with stunting [OR = 5.92 (95% CI 3.9, 8.87), I2 = 55.7%]. Low family economic status [OR = 4.737 (95% CI: 2.605, 8.614), I2 = 31.2%] and increased feeding frequency [OR = 0.323 (95% CI: 0.172, 0.605), I2 = 69.8%] were significantly associated with under-weight. Anemia [OR = 2.860 (95% CI: 1.636, 5.000), I2 = 74.8%] and diarrhea in the previous month [OR = 4.117 (95% CI: 2.876, 5.894), I2 = 0.0%] were also associated with wasting among HIV infected children in sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of under-nutrition among HIV infected children was high. Nutritional assessment and interventions need great attention as a part of HIV care for HIV positive children. The implementation of policies and strategies established by national and international stakeholders in ART care centres should take a maximum emphasis on reducing under-nutrition among HIV infected children.

scholarly journals Male involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsay Woldu Anbesu ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm ◽  
Znabu Hadush Kahsay
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Male Involvement ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background The need to include males that required joint spousal decision is critical in achieving key reproductive health indicators. Low involvement of males in family planning use is one of the contributing factors for low contraceptive use in Ethiopia. Despite this, there are inconsistent findings on the prevalence and determinates of males involvement in family planning use in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of mal involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used to develop the protocol. Online databases PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and unpublished grey literature will be searched to retrieve available articles from April 10-August 11/2021. The two authors will conduct selection of studies, data extraction, and quality assessment. The quality of the studies will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Chi-squared test and I-squared statistic will be used to examine heterogeneity among studies. Sources of heterogeneity will be investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regression based on regions and residence (urban and rural). Publication bias will be examined by observation using funnel plots and statistically by Begg’s and Egger’s tests. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence and its determinants of male involvement in family planning use. Discussion The role of the male in family planning and participation in contraceptive use improves women’s uptake and continuity of family planning use. Though there are studies on male involvement in family planning use, there is no synthesis research findings on the pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. Therefore, the finding from this systematic review and meta-analysis will help the national health sector transformational plane to emphasize the pooled prevalence and its determinants that drive low male involvement in family planning use in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Male involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etsay Woldu Anbesu ◽  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm ◽  
Znabu Hadush Kahsay
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Contraceptive Use ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Male Involvement ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background The need to include males that required joint spousal decision is critical in achieving key reproductive health indicators. Low involvement of males in family planning use is one of the contributing factors for low contraceptive use in Ethiopia. Despite this, there are inconsistent findings on the prevalence and determinates of males involvement in family planning use in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of mal involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be used to develop the protocol. Online databases PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and unpublished grey literature will be searched to retrieve available articles from April 10-August 11/2021. The two authors will conduct selection of studies, data extraction, and quality assessment. The quality of the studies will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Chi-squared test and I-squared statistic will be used to examine heterogeneity among studies. Sources of heterogeneity will be investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regression based on regions and residence (urban and rural). Publication bias will be examined by observation using funnel plots and statistically by Begg’s and Egger’s tests. A random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence and its determinants of male involvement in family planning use. Discussion The role of the male in family planning and participation in contraceptive use improves women’s uptake and continuity of family planning use. Though there are studies on male involvement in family planning use, there is no synthesis research findings on the pooled prevalence of male involvement in family planning use and its determinants in Ethiopia. Therefore, the finding from this systematic review and meta-analysis will help the national health sector transformational plane to emphasize the pooled prevalence and its determinants that drive low male involvement in family planning use in Ethiopia.

Prevalence of blindness and its major causes in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 026461962110559
Author(s):  
Zamadonda Nokuthula Xulu-Kasaba ◽  
Chester Kalinda
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
High Level

Background: Global studies show that the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness continued to rise despite the implementation of strategies outlined in the Global Action Plan, aimed at reducing these by the year 2020. Vision impairment impacts negatively on one’s independence, opportunities, and quality of life. Therefore, knowledge of the prevalence, and the major causes of blindness impairment in any population, is vital in designing strategies to address this public health challenge. Methods: Literature mapping evidence of vision impairment was searched for on PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost databases MEDLINE, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Health Source – Consumer Edition, CINAHL, and Academic Search Complete. Studies that were searched for included peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English from various countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Results: Only 77 studies with 191,173 participants, contributing data from 26 countries within SSA, met the inclusion criteria for the final review. The overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of blindness from the selected studies was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.0% – 11.0%). West Africa and East Africa had the highest prevalence. The identified leading causes of blindness were cataracts (46%; 95% CI: 40% – 52%), followed by glaucoma (14%; 95% CI: 11% – 18%). There was a high level of heterogeneity in most pooled estimates (I2 ˃ 80%, p < .001). Conclusion: The prevalence of blindness in SSA has increased in all four regions with most cases being avoidable. Policymakers should prioritise blindness prevention programmes, ensure enabling health systems, and provide the necessary resources towards reducing blindness in SSA.

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