scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors of anemia among children in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alemu Gebrie ◽  
Animut Alebel
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Rural Residence ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia ◽  
Predictor Factors

Background: Anemia is a wide-spread public health problem characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin concentration and/ or red blood cell volume below an established cut-off value. In developing countries including Ethiopia, about half of children are estimated to be anemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of anemia and its predictor factors among children in Ethiopia. Method: The studies were identified through explicit and exhaustive search of reputable databases (PubMed, Google schol- ar, Science Direct, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and the hand search of reference lists of previous prevalence studies to retrieve more related articles. Thirty-nine studies were selected based on a comprehensive list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized and pre-tested data extraction checklist, and the analysis was done using STATA 14 statistical software. To assess heterogeneity, the Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 tests were used. In our analysis, considerable heterogeneity was observed. Therefore, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia. Moreover, the predictor factors of anemia were examined. Results: The forest plot of 39 included studies revealed that the overall pooled prevalence of anemia among children in Ethiopia was 34.4% (95% CI: 29.1, 39.7%). Sub-group analysis showed that the highest anemia prevalence was observed in Somali Region with a prevalence of 49.4 % (95% CI: 20.9, 77.8). Also, anemia in children was found to be highest in the age group of less than five years (45.2, 95% CI: 39.6,50.8). Low literacy of families: 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.7), low family socioeco- nomic status: 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1,3.01.3), having housewife mothers or with no job: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.4, 1.9) and rural residence: 3.3 (95% CI: 1.7,6.1) were found to be predictors of anemia among children. Conclusion: In this study, one in three children were anemic in Ethiopia. It is a moderate public health problem in children in this study. Low literacy, low socioeconomic status as well as rural residence of the families and helminthic infection of the children were found to be predictors of anemia in the children. Community and school-based interventions should be strengthened to improve the problem. Keywords: Anemia; prevalence; predictors; children,; Ethiopia; systematic review; meta-analysis.

scholarly journals Low Economic Class Might Predispose Children under Five Years of Age to Stunting in Ethiopia: Updates of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Aschalew Afework Bitew ◽  
Alemayehu Digssie Gebremariam ◽  
Netsanet Fentahun ◽  
Murat Açık ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Children Under Five ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Background. Malnutrition is major public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia. In 2016, out of 667 million children under five years of age, 159 million were stunted worldwide. The prevalence of stunting has been decreasing greatly from 58% in 2000 to 44% in 2011 and 38% in 2016 in Ethiopia. However, the prevalence of stunting is still high and considered as public health problem for the country. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of stunting and its associations with wealth index among children under five years of age in Ethiopia. Methodology. The databases searched were MEDLINE, Scopus, HINARI, and grey literature studies. The studies’ qualities were assessed by two reviewers independently, and any controversy was handled by other reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. The JBI checklist was used in assessing the risk of bias and method of measurement for both outcome and independent variables. Especially, the study design, study participants, definition of stunting, statistical methods used to identify the associations, results/data presentations, and odds ratios (ORs) with confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed. In the statistical analysis, the funnel plot, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test were used to assess publication bias. The I2 statistic, forest plot, and Cochran’s Q-test were used to deal with heterogeneity. Results. In this review, 35 studies were included to assess the pooled prevalence of stunting. Similarly, 16 studies were used to assess the estimated effect sizes of wealth index on stunting. In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of stunting was 41.5% among children under five years of age, despite its considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 97.6%, p < 0.001 , Q = 1461.93). However, no publication bias was detected (Egger’s test p = 0.26 and Begg’s test p = 0.87 ). Children from households with a medium or low/poor wealth index had higher odds of stunting (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI 1.07, 1.65 or AOR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.46, 2.54, respectively) compared to children from households with a high/rich wealth index. Both of the estimated effect sizes of low and medium wealth indexes had substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 63.8%, p < 0.001 , Q = 44.21 and I2 = 78.3%, p < 0.001 , Q = 73.73) respectively). In estimating the effect, there was no publication bias (small-studies effect) (Egger and Begg’s test, p > 0.05 ). Conclusions. The pooled prevalence of stunting was great. In the subgroup analysis, the Amhara region had the highest prevalence of stunting, followed by the Oromia and Tigray regions, respectively. Low economic status was associated with stunting in Ethiopia. This relationship was found to be statistically more accurate in Oromia and Amhara regions. The government should emphasize community-based nutrition programs by scaling up more in these regions, just like the Seqota Declaration.

scholarly journals Anemia and its association with Helicobacter pylori infection among adult dyspeptic patients attending Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammad memorial Referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassahun Tassow Haile ◽  
Deneke Wolde ◽  
Girum Tesfaye ◽  
Tilahun Yemane ◽  
Abebe Timerga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Rural Residence ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Southwest Ethiopia ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Abstract Background: Anemia is a worldwide public health problem and also associated with H. pylori infection. Determining the association of anemia with H. pylori infection is important to develop evidence-based decision and intervention strategies. Association between anemia and H. pylori infection is not well known in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between anemia and H. pylori infection among adult dyspeptic patients attending Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammad Memorial Referral Hospital in southwest Ethiopia.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2019 involving 362 consecutive adult dyspeptic patients who came to the hospital during the study period. Socio-demographic, clinical and other related data were collected by structured questionnaires. Four milliliters of the venous blood sample was collected for hematological parameters analysis and blood film preparation. A stool sample was collected to detect H. pylori antigen and intestinal parasites. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analyses were performed and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of anemia among dyspeptic patients was 24.3% (95%CI: 19.9- 28.7). Among H.pylori infected participants 29.2% were anemic, of which 69.2% had mild anemia and 63.5% had normocytic normochromic anemia. Rural residence (AOR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.3), H. pylori infection (AOR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.05-2.98) and intestinal parasitic infection (AOR: 2.14, 95%CI: 1.14-4.03) were significantly associated with anemia.Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in this study indicated that it is a moderate public health problem. Rural residence, H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infection were significantly associated with anemia. The findings of this study should be taken into account for the prevention and control of anemia among dyspeptic adults.

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol on stunting and its determinants among school-age children (6-14years) in Ethiopia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248390
Author(s):  
Setognal Birara Aychiluhm ◽  
Abay woday Tadesse ◽  
Kusse Urmale Mare ◽  
Dessie Abebaw ◽  
Netsanet Worku
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
National Level ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
School Age ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Background In Ethiopia, stunting is a common public health problem among school-age children. Even though several studies were conducted in different parts of the country, the national pooled prevalence of stunting and its determinants not estimated. Therefore, this study intends to determine the pooled prevalence and determinants of stunting among school-age children in Ethiopia. Methods This review protocol is registered at PROSPERO with Registration number: CRD42020160625. Online databases (Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Science direct), Google, Google Scholar, and other grey literature will be used to search articles until June 2020. The quality assessment will be performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. The analysis will be organized and presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The presence of heterogeneity among studies will be examined using a chi-squared test on Cochran’s Q statistic with a 5% level of statistical significance, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression will be performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity. To identify influential studies, sensitivity analysis will be conducted. Presence publication bias will be examined by observing funnel plots. The presence of a statistical association will be declared at a p-value <0.05 with the 95% CI. Discussion Stunting is a major public health problem in Ethiopia, which affects the health of children. So, designing and implementing different nutritional strategies and promoting healthcare services is extremely mandatory to overcome stunting problems in the country. To understand this, estimating the prevalence of stunting at the national level and determining the pertinent common determinants using high-level evidence is fairly imperative. Therefore, this study will offer a summarizing finding.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anemia in Children from Latin America and the Caribbean and Effectiveness of Nutritional Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucía Iglesias Vázquez ◽  
Edith Valera ◽  
Marcela Villalobos ◽  
Mónica Tous ◽  
Victoria Arija
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Anemia affects 1.62 billion people worldwide. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) comprise several developing countries where children are a population at risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of anemia in this population. Electronic databases, reference lists, and websites of health ministries were searched until December 2018. Stratified analyses were performed using RevMan5.3 to estimate the overall prevalence of anemia in preschool and school-age children. The effectiveness of nutritional interventions was also evaluated. We included 61 studies from the 917 reviewed, which included 128,311 preschool- and 38,028 school-age children from 21 LAC countries. The number of anemic children was 32.93% and 17.49%, respectively, demonstrating a significant difference according to age (p < 0.01). No difference was observed by gender and only school-age children from low/very low socioeconomic status (SES) (25.75%) were more prone to anemia than those from middle SES (7.90%). It was not a concern in the Southern Cone but constituted a serious public health problem in the Latin Caribbean. Nutritional interventions reduced the prevalence from 45% to 25% (p < 0.01). Anemia is still a public health problem for children in LAC countries. National surveys should include school-age children. Further nutritional interventions are required to control anemia.

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

PLoS ONE ◽  
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).

scholarly journals Magnitude, Severity, and Associated Factors of Anemia among Under-Five Children Attending Hawassa University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia, 2016

Anemia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Yeshimebet Gebereselassie ◽  
Mesganaw BirhanSelassie ◽  
Tadesse Menjetta ◽  
Jemal Alemu ◽  
Aster Tsegaye
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Hawassa University ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Background. Anemia is a widespread public health problem associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Infants, under-5-year-old children, and pregnant women have greater susceptibility to anemia. The magnitude and associated risk factors for anemia vary in different settings. The study aimed to assess the magnitude, severity, and associated factors of anemia at Hawassa University Teaching and Referral hospital, Hawassa, southern Ethiopia. Methods. In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, a total of 422 under-five children were included. Sociodemographic data and other predisposing factors were collected by structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for hemoglobin determination using a Cell-Dyn 1800 automated analyzer. Stool samples were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration method to detect intestinal parasites. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical packages. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were computed to assess factors associated with anemia. p value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Result. The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 41.7%. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.59 g/dl. Anemia was of mild, moderate, and severe type in 6.6%, 19%, and 16.1% of the children, respectively. Children in the age group 6–23 months (AOR = 2.04 (95% CI: 1.13, 3.69)), and mothers having no formal education (AOR = 1.73 (95% CI: 0.99, 3.02)) were identified as associated factors for anemia. Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia among the study subjects was 41.7% indicative of the fact that anemia is an important public health problem. It was associated with the child’s age, residence, mother’s education level, and intestinal parasite (Ascaris lumbricoides). It clearly indicates that there should be well integrated public health interventions to improve the health status that needs to be prioritized to prevent anemia among children under five years of age.

scholarly journals Association between birth interval and wasting in children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037976
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽  
Biruk Beletew Abate ◽  
Ayelign Mengesha Kassie ◽  
Murat Açık
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Birth Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Joint Estimation ◽  
Hard Copy ◽  
P Value ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Debre Berhan

IntroductionAccording to the UNICEF, WHO and World Bank joint estimation, 1 in every 13 children suffered from wasting globally. The highest burden of undernutrition recorded in Asia and Africa. Wasting remains a considerable public health problem in Ethiopia despite the introduction of exhaustive nutritional programmes. As reported in the literature, the prevalence of wasting in Ethiopia has remained high over the last four decades. In Ethiopia, more than one-third of child deaths are associated with malnutrition. The current nutritional interventions implemented in Ethiopia need to be evidence based. For this purpose, systematic review is preferable as it can present a more reliable and precise estimate than individual studies. The aim of this review is to assess the pooled prevalence of wasting and its association with birth interval in Ethiopia.MethodologyStudies published after 20 January 2012 will be retrieved from databases, mainly PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL and HINARI. The articles retrieved from databases will be selected after reading the title, abstract and full text. Three reviewers will independently assess the quality of each study using both the Joanna Briggs Institute and Ottawa Scale critical appraisal checklists. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist will be used to maintain scientific strength. Funnel plots, Egger’s test and Begg’s test will be used to deal with publication bias, and I2, forest plots and Cochrane’s Q square statistics will be used for heterogeneity. Potential causes of heterogeneity will be explored through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Because heterogeneity among studies is inevitable, given the wide geographical area and variety of study designs, the Der-Simonian and Laird random-effects model will be used. The presence of a statistical association between birth interval and wasting will be declared if the p value is <0.05 with the 95% CI.Ethics and disseminationEthical issues will not be applicable to this review and meta-analysis. This review and meta-analysis will report the pooled prevalence of wasting and its association with birth interval in Ethiopia. Effort will be made to publish the findings in a peer-reviewed journal such as the Ethiopian Journal of Health and Development, and the findings will be presented at national conferences. A hard copy will also be sent to Woldia University and Debre Berhan University.

scholarly journals Multilevel Analysis of Determinants of Anemia Prevalence among Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia: Classical and Bayesian Approaches

Anemia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kemal N. Kawo ◽  
Zeytu G. Asfaw ◽  
Negusse Yohannes
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Multilevel Analysis ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Bayesian Approaches ◽  
Random Intercept ◽  
Random Intercept Model ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Background. Anemia is a widely spread public health problem and affects individuals at all levels. However, there is a considerable regional variation in its distribution. Objective. Thus, this study aimed to assess and model the determinants of prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia. Data. Cross-sectional data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey was used for the analysis. It was implemented by the Central Statistical Agency from 27 December 2010 through June 2011 and the sampling technique employed was multistage. Method. The statistical models that suit the hierarchical data such as variance components model, random intercept model, and random coefficients model were used to analyze the data. Likelihood and Bayesian approaches were used to estimate both fixed effects and random effects in multilevel analysis. Result. This study revealed that the prevalence of anemia among children aged between 6 and 59 months in the country was around 42.8%. The multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the variation of predictor variables of the prevalence of anemia among children aged between 6 and 59 months. Accordingly, it has been identified that the number of children under five in the household, wealth index, age of children, mothers’ current working status, education level, given iron pills, size of child at birth, and source of drinking water have a significant effect on prevalence of anemia. It is found that variances related to the random term were statistically significant implying that there is variation in prevalence of anemia across regions. From the methodological aspect, it was found that random intercept model is better compared to the other two models in fitting the data well. Bayesian analysis gave consistent estimates with the respective multilevel models and additional solutions as posterior distribution of the parameters. Conclusion. The current study confirmed that prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Ethiopia was severe public health problem, where 42.8% of them are anemic. Thus, stakeholders should pay attention to all significant factors mentioned in the analysis of this study but wealth index/improving household income and availability of pure drinking water are the most influential factors that should be improved anyway.

scholarly journals Lowest wealth quintiles predispose under-five children to stunting in Ethiopia: Updates of systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Aschalew Afework ◽  
Alemayehu Digssie ◽  
Netsanet Fentahun ◽  
Murat Açık ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Wealth Index ◽  
Forest Plot ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background: Malnutrition remains as a major public health problem in the world, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. The prevalence of stunting in Ethiopia has been decreased considerably from 58% in 2000 to 44% in 2011 and 38% in 2016. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of stunting and its associations with wealth index among under-five children in Ethiopia. Methodology: The databases screened were PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, HINARI and grey literatures. The studies’ qualities were assessed by two reviewers independently, and any controversy was handled by other reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. In the statistical analysis, the funnel plot, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test were used to assess publication bias. The I2 statistic, forest plot, and Cochran’s Q test were used to deal with heterogeneity. Results: The pooled prevalence of stunting was 41.5% among under-five children, despite its considerable heterogeneity (I2=97.6%, p<0.001). However, the included studies had no publication bias in calculating the pooled prevalence (Egger’s test p=0.26; Begg’s test p=0.87). Children from households with a medium or low/poor wealth index had higher odds of stunting (AOR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.65 or AOR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.54, respectively) compared to children from households with a high/rich wealth index. Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of stunting is great. In the subgroup analysis, the Amhara region, followed by the Oromia region and then the Tigray region had the highest prevalence of stunting

scholarly journals Visual Impairment Prevalence, Causes, and Role of Healthcare Access: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mehrdad Afarid ◽  
Hossein Molavi Vardanjani ◽  
Hamideh Mahdaviazad ◽  
Marzieh Alamolhoda ◽  
Saman Farahangiz
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Purpose. Healthcare access is one of the determinants of visual impairment (VI), as a public health problem. The objective of this study was to estimate VI prevalence, related causes, and its correlation with access to physicians in Iran. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis include observational studies published in Iran. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and local databases were systematically searched by using the MeSH headings. Data on the provincial distribution of physicians, as an index of access to healthcare, was retrieved. A random-effect meta-analysis was performed to assess. Results. Eight articles were included. The pooled prevalence of blindness, low vision, and VI was 0.80% (95% CI: 0.61–0.99%), 2.92% (95% CI: 2.40–3.44%), and 5.57% (95% CI: 4.71–6.43%). Refractive errors were the most common causes of VI based on PVA with the pooled prevalence of 54.6% (95% CI: 43.4–65.8%). Based on BCVA, we found that the pooled prevalence of cataracts was 37.4% (95% CI: 29.5–45.3%) as the most common cause of VI. The results of metaregression showed that the greater number of general practitioners (GPs) ( P   value = 0.01 ) and pharmacists ( P   value = 0.024 ) per population were associated with a lower prevalence of blindness. Conclusion. Some of the main causes of visual impairment in Iran are preventable. Access to healthcare services may lead to early diagnosis of preventable causes of VI. Further well-designed studies and national surveys should be conducted to provide accurate data from different regions of Iran.

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