Are Digital Interventions Effective for Preventing Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy?: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah (So Yeon) Oh ◽  
Carol Mita ◽  
Doukyoung Chon ◽  
Jourdyn Lawrence ◽  
Jongyoon Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Future Research ◽  
P Value ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
In Pregnancy

BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption in pregnancy has been associated with serious fetal health risk and maternal complications. While previous systematic reviews of digital interventions during pregnancy have targeted smoking cessation and flu vaccine uptake, fewer studies have sought to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing alcohol consumption during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to assess 1) whether digital interventions are effective in preventing alcohol consumption during the pregnancy/pregnancy-planning period, and 2) the differential effectiveness of alternative digital intervention platforms, i.e., computer, mobile, text messaging. METHODS PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched for studies with digital interventions aiming to prevent alcohol consumption among pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant. A random-effects primary meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the combined effect size and extent to which different digital platforms were successful in preventing alcohol consumption in pregnancy. RESULTS Six studies were identified and included in the final review. The primary meta-analysis produced a sample-weighted odds ratio (OR) of 0.62 (95% CI: 0.42-0.91, p-value = 0.0150) in favor of digital interventions decreasing risk of alcohol consumption during pregnancy when compared to controls. Computer/internet-based interventions (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38-0.93) were an effective platform for preventing alcohol consumption. Too few studies of text messaging (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.29-2.52) were available to draw a conclusion. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our review highlights the potential for digital interventions to prevent alcohol consumption among pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant. Considering the advantages of digital interventions in promoting healthy behavioral changes, future research is necessary to understand how certain platforms may increase user engagement and intervention effectiveness to prevent women from consuming alcohol during their pregnancies. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Prevalence, incidence and bothersomeness of urinary incontinence in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi F. A. Moossdorff-Steinhauser ◽  
Bary C. M. Berghmans ◽  
Marc E. A. Spaanderman ◽  
Esther M. J. Bols
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common and embarrassing complaint for pregnant women. Reported prevalence and incidence figures show a large range, due to varying case definitions, recruited population and study methodology. Precise prevalence and incidence figures on (bothersome) UI are of relevance for health care providers, policy makers and researchers. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and incidence of UI in pregnancy in the general population for relevant subgroups and assessed experienced bother. Methods All observational studies published between January 1998 and October 2018 reporting on prevalence and/or incidence of UI during pregnancy were included. All women, regardless of weeks of gestation and type of UI presented in all settings, were of interest. A random-effects model was used. Subgroup analyses were conducted by parity, trimester and subtype of UI. Results The mean (weighted) prevalence based on 44 included studies, containing a total of 88.305 women, was 41.0% (range of 9–75%). Stress urinary incontinence (63%) is the most prevalent type of UI; 26% of the women reported daily loss, whereas 40% reported loss on a monthly basis. Bother was experienced as mild to moderate. Conclusions UI is very prevalent and rising with the weeks of gestation in pregnancy. SUI is the most common type and in most cases it was a small amount. Bother for UI is heterogeneously assessed and experienced as mild to moderate by pregnant women.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Digital Interventions for Reducing Behavioral Risks of Cardiovascular Disease in Nonclinical Adult Populations: Systematic Review of Reviews

10.2196/19688 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. e19688
Author(s):  
Natalie Gold ◽  
Amy Yau ◽  
Benjamin Rigby ◽  
Chris Dyke ◽  
Elizabeth Alice Remfry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Intent To Treat

Background Digital health interventions are increasingly being used as a supplement or replacement for face-to-face services as a part of predictive prevention. They may be offered to those who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and need to improve their diet, increase physical activity, stop smoking, or reduce alcohol consumption. Despite the popularity of these interventions, there is no overall summary and comparison of the effectiveness of different modes of delivery of a digital intervention to inform policy. Objective This review aims to summarize the effectiveness of digital interventions in improving behavioral and health outcomes related to physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, or diet in nonclinical adult populations and to identify the effectiveness of different modes of delivery of digital interventions. Methods We reviewed articles published in the English language between January 1, 2009, and February 25, 2019, that presented a systematic review with a narrative synthesis or meta-analysis of any study design examining digital intervention effectiveness; data related to adults (≥18 years) in high-income countries; and data on behavioral or health outcomes related to diet, physical activity, smoking, or alcohol, alone or in any combination. Any time frame or comparator was considered eligible. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Reviews, and gray literature. The AMSTAR-2 tool was used to assess review confidence ratings. Results We found 92 reviews from the academic literature (47 with meta-analyses) and 2 gray literature items (1 with a meta-analysis). Digital interventions were typically more effective than no intervention, but the effect sizes were small. Evidence on the effectiveness of digital interventions compared with face-to-face interventions was mixed. Most trials reported that intent-to-treat analysis and attrition rates were often high. Studies with long follow-up periods were scarce. However, we found that digital interventions may be effective for up to 6 months after the end of the intervention but that the effects dissipated by 12 months. There were small positive effects of digital interventions on smoking cessation and alcohol reduction; possible effectiveness in combined diet and physical activity interventions; no effectiveness for interventions targeting physical activity alone, except for when interventions were delivered by mobile phone, which had medium-sized effects; and no effectiveness observed for interventions targeting diet alone. Mobile interventions were particularly effective. Internet-based interventions were generally effective. Conclusions Digital interventions have small positive effects on smoking, alcohol consumption, and in interventions that target a combination of diet and physical activity. Small effects may have been due to the low efficacy of treatment or due to nonadherence. In addition, our ability to make inferences from the literature we reviewed was limited as those interventions were heterogeneous, many reviews had critically low AMSTAR-2 ratings, analysis was typically intent-to-treat, and follow-up times were relatively short. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019126074; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=126074.

scholarly journals Mobile phone communication for improving uptake of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected pregnant women: updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques L. Tamuzi ◽  
Gomer Lulendo ◽  
Patrick Mbuesse ◽  
Thierry Ntambwe
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Hiv Exposed ◽  
Mobile Phone Communication

Objective The aim of this systematic review is to provide some evidence on the use of mobile phone communication for improving ARV adherence during pregnancy, as well as to investigate whether text messaging on mobile phones could improve follow up in HIV exposed infants. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis, using CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Scopus, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL to search for studies in English published between 5 may 2016 to May 2021 that assessed the effects of mobile phone in HIV infected pregnant women. We used MetaPro version 3.0 to compute the OR 2 and RR and their 95%CI. We performed random-effects model meta analysis for estimating pooled outcomes. Results Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled maternal postpartum retention was (OR 2.20, 95%CI: 1.55 to 3.13, I2 = 53.20%, P < 0.001). In the same line, the pooled odds of ART uptake was (OR 1.5, 95%CI: 1.07 to 2.11, I2 =0%, P = 0.020) and we found statistically significant impact of mobile phone on HIV testing at 6 weeks and above among HIV exposed children (OR 1.89, 95%CI: 1.04 to 3. 48, I2 = OR 1.89, 95%CI: 1.04 to 3. 48, I2 =88.04%, P = 0.032). Conclusion In comparison to our previous review, this updated review focuses on moderate evidence for mobile phone communication in HIV-infected pregnant women. The results showed that using a mobile phone improved maternal post-partum retention, ART uptake, and infant HIV testing at 6 weeks and older.

scholarly journals Remotely delivered interventions to support women with symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy: a mixed methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Evans ◽  
Stefan Rennick-Egglestone ◽  
Serena Cox ◽  
Yvonne Kuipers ◽  
Helen Spiby
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Social Science Citation Index ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
On Line ◽  
In Pregnancy

BACKGROUND Symptoms of anxiety are common in pregnancy, with severe symptoms associated with negative outcomes for women and babies. Low level psychological therapy is recommended as first line treatment options for women with mild to moderate anxiety, with the aim to prevent an escalation of symptoms and provide women with coping strategies. Remotely delivered interventions have been suggested to improve access to treatment and support for women in pregnancy and provide a cost-effective, flexible and timely solution. OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate remotely delivered, digital or on-line interventions to support women with symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy. METHODS A mixed method systematic review following a convergent segregated approach to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative data. The ACM Digital Library, AMED, ASSIA, CRD, CENTRAL, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, HTA, IEEE Xplore, JBI, Maternity and Infant Care, Medline, PsycINFO and the Social Science Citation Index were searched in October 2020. Quantitative or qualitative primary research including pregnant women which evaluated remotely delivered interventions reporting measures of anxiety, fear, stress, distress, women’s views, feedback and opinions were included in the review. RESULTS Three qualitative and 14 were quantitative studies included. Populations included a general antenatal population, and pregnant women with anxiety and depression, fear of childbirth, insomnia and pre-term labour. Interventions included CBT, Problem Solving, Mindfulness and Educational designs. Most interventions were delivered via on-line platforms and 8 included direct contact from trained therapists or coaches. A meta-analysis of the quantitative data found for I-CBT and facilitated interventions there was observed beneficial effect in relation to the reduction of anxiety scores (SMD=-0.49; 95% CI=-0.75 to -0.22; SMD=-0.48; 95% CI=-0.75 to -0.22). However, due to limitations in the amount of available data and study quality, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Synthesised findings from quantitative and qualitative data found some evidence to suggest that interventions are more effective when women are motivated to maintain regular participation in interventions. Participation may be enhanced by providing regular contact with therapists, targeting interventions for women with anxiety symptoms; providing peer support forums; including components of relaxation and cognitive based skills; and providing sufficient sessions to develop new skills without being too time consuming. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence to suggest that pregnant women may benefit from remotely delivered interventions. The synthesised findings highlighted components of interventions which may improve the effectiveness and acceptability of remotely delivered interventions. These include providing women with contact with a therapist, healthcare professional or peer community. Women may be more motivated to complete interventions which are perceived as relevant or tailored to their needs and situations. Remote interventions may also provide women with greater anonymity to help them feel more confident in disclosing their symptoms.

scholarly journals Differences in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes among symptomatic versus asymptomatic COVID-19-infected pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Durray Shahwar A. Khan ◽  
La-Raib Hamid ◽  
Anna Ali ◽  
Rehana A. Salam ◽  
Nadeem Zuberi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
Respiratory Disorder ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background There is dearth of information on COVID-19’s impact on pregnant women. However, literature reported trends of COVID-19 differ, depending on the presence of clinical features upon presentation. Objective This systematic review aimed to assess differences in risk factors, management, complications, and pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods A search was run on electronic databases to identify studies reporting COVID-19 in pregnancy. Meta-analysis was performed and odds ratios and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Review Manager 5.4. Review Prospero registration number CRD42020204662. Results We included ten articles reporting data from 3158 pregnancies; with 1900 symptomatic and 1258 asymptomatic pregnant women. There was no significant difference in the mean age, gestational age, and body mass index between the two groups. The meta-analysis suggested that pregnant women who were obese (OR:1.37;95%CI:1.15 to 1.62), hypertensive (OR:2.07;95%CI:1.38 to 3.10) or had a respiratory disorder (OR:1.64;95%CI:1.25 to 2.16), were more likely to be symptomatic when infected with SARS-CoV-2. Pregnant women with Black (OR:1.48;95%CI:1.19 to 1.85) or Asian (OR:1.64;95%CI:1.23 to 2.18) ethnicity were more likely to be symptomatic while those with White ethnicity (OR:0.63;95%CI:0.52 to 0.76) were more likely to be asymptomatic. Cesarean-section delivery (OR:1.40;95%CI:1.17 to 1.67) was more likely amongst symptomatic pregnant women. The mean birthweight(g) (MD:240.51;95%CI:188.42 to 293.51), was significantly lower, while the odds of low birthweight (OR:1.85;95%CI:1.06 to 3.24) and preterm birth (< 37 weeks) (OR:2.10;95%CI:1.04 to 4.23) was higher amongst symptomatic pregnant women. Symptomatic pregnant women had a greater requirement for maternal ICU admission (OR:13.25;95%CI:5.60 to 31.34) and mechanical ventilation (OR:15.56;95%CI:2.96 to 81.70) while their neonates had a higher likelihood for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission (OR:1.96;95%CI:1.59 to 2.43). The management strategies in the included studies were poorly discussed, hence could not be analyzed. Conclusion The evidence suggests that the presence of risk factors (co-morbidities and ethnicity) increased the likelihood of pregnant women being symptomatic. Higher odds of complications were also observed amongst symptomatic pregnant women. However, more adequately conducted studies with adjusted analysis and parallel comparison groups are required to reach conclusive findings.

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 Prevalence and associated factors of active smoking among individuals living with hypertension and/or diabetes in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e015444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy S Wafeu ◽  
Aurel T Tankeu ◽  
Francky Teddy A Endomba ◽  
Jobert Richie Nansseu ◽  
Arnaud D Kaze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Future Research ◽  
P Value ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Active Smoking ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Factors Associated

IntroductionTobacco use significantly increases cardiovascular complications in people living with hypertension and/or diabetes. We aim to summarise data on the prevalence and factors associated with active smoking in these conditions in Africa.Method and analysisWe will search PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and African Journals Online for relevant abstracts of studies on active smoking in individuals living with diabetes and/or hypertension published from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016, with no language restriction. Additionally, relevant unpublished papers and conference proceedings will be checked, as well as references of included articles. Two investigators will independently screen, select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias in each study. Data will be analysed using Stata software (Stata V.14, Texas, USA). The study-specific estimates will be pooled through a random-effects meta-analysis model to obtain an overall summary estimate of the prevalence of smoking across studies. Also, we will assess factors associated to smoking. Heterogeneity of studies will be evaluated by the χ2 test on Cochrane’s Q statistic. Funnel plots analysis and Egger’s test will be done to detect publication bias. Results will be presented by geographic region (central, eastern, northern, southern and western Africa). A p value less than 0.05 will be considered significant for factors associated to smoking.Ethics and disseminationThis study is based on published data, and therefore ethical approval is not a requirement. This systematic review and meta-analysis is expected to serve as a basis for designing cost-effective interventions to reduce and prevent smoking in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension, and as a guide for future research based on the remaining gaps. The final report of this study in the form of a scientific paper will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Findings will further be presented at conferences and submitted to relevant health authorities.

scholarly journals Are digital interventions for smoking cessation in pregnancy effective? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Ellen Griffiths ◽  
Joanne Parsons ◽  
Felix Naughton ◽  
Emily Anne Fulton ◽  
Ildiko Tombor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
In Pregnancy

scholarly journals Regulatory T Cells in Pregnancy Adverse Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Green ◽  
Marina Politis ◽  
Kathrine S. Rallis ◽  
Alba Saenz de Villaverde Cortabarria ◽  
Athina Efthymiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Inconsistency Index ◽  
In Pregnancy

BackgroundSeveral studies report the role of Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in the pathophysiology of pregnancy adverse outcomes.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether there is an association between regulatory T cell levels and pregnancy adverse outcomes (PAOs), including pre-eclampsia and preterm birth (PTB).MethodLiterature searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria were original articles (clinical trials, case-control studies and cohort studies) comparing Tregs, sampled from the decidua or maternal blood, in healthy pregnant women versus women with pre-eclampsia or PTB. The outcome was standardised mean difference (SMD) in Treg numbers. The tau-squared (Tau²), inconsistency index (I²), and chi-squared (χ²) test quantified heterogeneity among different studies. Analyses were performed in RevMan software V.5.4.0 for Mac using a random-effects model with outcome data reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020205469). PRISMA guidelines were followed.ResultsFrom 4,085 unique studies identified, 36 were included in qualitative synthesis, and 34 were included in quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). In total, there were 1,783 participants in these studies: healthy controls=964, pre-eclampsia=759, PTB=60. Thirty-two studies compared Tregs in healthy pregnant women and women with pre-eclampsia, and 30 of these sampled Tregs from peripheral blood showing significantly higher Treg numbers in healthy pregnancies (SMD; 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03–1.88; I²=92%). Four studies sampled Tregs from the maternal decidua showing higher Tregs in healthy pregnancies (SMD, 0.76; 95% CI, -0.13–1.65; I²=84%). No difference was found in the number of Tregs between early versus late pre-eclampsia (SMD,-1.17; 95% CI, -2.79–0.44; I²=94%). For PTB, two studies compared Tregs sampled from the peripheral blood with a tendency for higher Tregs in healthy pregnancies but this did not reach significance (SMD, 2.18; 95% CI, -1.34–5.70; I²=96%). Subcohort analysis using Treg analysis (flow cytometry vs. qPCR vs. immunofluorescence tissue staining) showed similar associations.ConclusionLower Tregs in pregnancy, sampled from the maternal peripheral blood, are associated with pre-eclampsia. There is a need for further studies to confirm a relationship between low Tregs and PTB. As the precise mechanisms by which Tregs may mediate pre-eclampsia and PTB remain unclear, further fundamental research is necessary to elucidate the underlying processes and highlight the causative link.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42020205469.

scholarly journals Toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254209
Author(s):  
Tamirat Tesfaye Dasa ◽  
Teshome Gensa Geta ◽  
Ayalnesh Zemene Yalew ◽  
Rahel Mezemir Abebe ◽  
Henna Umer Kele
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
P Value ◽  
Toxoplasma Infection

The epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is a major issue in public health. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite. Toxoplasma parasite is at high risk for life-threatening diseases during pregnancy. Congenital toxoplasmosis results from a maternal infection acquired during gestation. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to determine the seropositive prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women who attended antenatal care in a health facility in Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies were included. Databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online were used with relevant search terms. The quality of the articles was critically evaluated using the tool of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data were extracted on Microsoft word 2016. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 14 software. The heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the I2 statistics and Egger’s test, respectively. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval of meta-analysis using the random effect model. In total, 23 studies comprising 7,579 pregnant women across ten countries in Africa were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of seropositive toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Africa was 51.01% (95% CI; 37.66, 64.34). The heterogeneity test showed that heterogeneity was high, I2 = 99.6%, P-value < 0.001. The variables responsible for the source of heterogeneity were included from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia. Overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Africa showed that more than one-half of pregnant women were infected. The risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy is high; hence, preventive measures to avoid exposure of pregnant women to Toxoplasma infection should be strictly applied.

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