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

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Kenbon Seyoum ◽  
Damtew Solomon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of disorders that arise from the failure of the neural tube close between 21 and 28 days after conception. About 90% of neural tube defects and 95% of death due to these defects occurs in low-income countries. Since these NTDs cause considerable morbidity and mortality, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of NTDs in Africa. Methods The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number: CRD42020149356). All major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa, and Cochran’s Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Begg ’s tests, and the association between determinant factors and NTDs was estimated using a random-effect model. Results Of the total 2679 articles, 37 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was 50.71 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 48.03, 53.44). Folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19–0.85), maternal exposure to pesticide (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.04–10.39), mothers with a previous history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.99–5.65) and maternal exposure to x-ray radiation (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27–4.31) were found to be determinants of NTDs. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal exposure to pesticides and x-ray radiation were significantly associated with NTDs. Folic acid supplementation before and within the first month of pregnancy was found to be a protective factor for NTDs.


Author(s):  
Minyahil Tadesse Boltena ◽  
Ziad El-Khatib ◽  
Abraham Sahlemichael Kebede ◽  
Benedict Oppong Asamoah ◽  
Andualem Tadesse Boltena ◽  
...  

Background: Coinfection of malaria and intestinal helminths affects one third of the global population, largely among communities with severe poverty. The spread of these parasitic infections overlays in several epidemiological locations and the host shows different outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis determine the pooled prevalence of malaria and intestinal helminthiases coinfections among malaria suspected patients in Ethiopia. Methods: Primary studies published in English language were retrieved using appropriate search terms on Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, CINHAL, Scopus, and Embase. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of studies. A pooled statistical meta-analysis was conducted using STATA Version 14.0 software. The heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using the I2 statistics and Egger’s test, respectively. Duval and Tweedie’s nonparametric trim and fill analysis using the random-effect analysis. The Random effects model was used to estimate the summary prevalence of comorbidity of malaria and soil transmitted helminthiases and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). The review protocol has registered in PROSPERO number CRD42019144803. Results: We identified ten studies (n = 6633 participants) in this study. The overall pooled result showed 13% of the ambulatory patients infected by malaria and intestinal helminths concurrently in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infections were 12, 30, and 6%, respectively. The most common intestinal helminth parasites detected were Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Tirchuris trichiura. Conclusions: The comorbidity of malaria and intestinal helminths causes lower hemoglobin level leading to maternal anemia, preterm delivery, and still birth in pregnant women and lactating mother. School-aged children and neonates coinfected by plasmodium species and soil transmitted helminths develop cognitive impairment, protein energy malnutrition, low birth weight, small for gestational age, and gross motor delay. The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia and its international partners working on malaria elimination programs should give more emphasis to the effect of the interface of malaria and soil transmitted helminths, which calls for an integrated disease control and prevention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Corica ◽  
G.F Romiti ◽  
V Raparelli ◽  
R Cangemi ◽  
S Basili ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Long-term anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) imposes a careful balance between the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks. An association between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has already been described; however, conflicting evidence exist on the association with ischemic stroke (IS). Although CMBs are often observed in AF patients, the actual prevalence and the magnitude of the risk of adverse events in patients with CMBs is unclear. Purpose We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CMBs in patients with AF through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Additionally, we evaluated the risk of ICH and IS according to the presence and burden of CMBs. Methods We perform a systematic search on PubMed and EMBASE from inception to 6th March 2021. We included all studies reporting the prevalence of CMBs, the incidence of ICH and/or IS in AF by presence of CMBs. Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (OR), along with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were computed using random-effect models; we also calculated 95% Prediction Intervals (PI) for each outcome investigated. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses according to the number and localization of CMBs. Results We retrieved 562 records from the literature search, and 17 studies were finally included. Pooled prevalence of CMBs in AF population was 28.3% (95% CI: 23.8%-33.4%; 95% PI: 12.2%-52.9%, Figure 1). Individuals with CMBs showed a higher risk of both ICH (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.83–5.06) and IS (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.26–2.49). Moreover, patients with more than 5 CMBs, as well as patients with both lobar and mixed CMBs, showed a higher risk of ICH. Conclusions CMBs were found in 28.3% of AF patients, with 95% PIs indicating a potentially higher prevalence. Moreover, CMBs were associated with an increased risk of both ICH and IS, with the effect potentially modulated by their number and localization. CMBs may represent an important and often overlooked risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients with AF. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Prevalence of CMBs in patients with AF


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255488
Author(s):  
Ritbano Ahmed ◽  
Hassen Mosa ◽  
Mohammed Sultan ◽  
Shamill Eanga Helill ◽  
Biruk Assefa ◽  
...  

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).


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Dile Worke ◽  
Zewdie Birhanu Koricha ◽  
Gurmesa Tura Debelew

Abstract Background Workplace sexual violence is a significant public health problem in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, except for individual studies with varying prevalence rates in different occupations, there are no national prevalence studies conducted in workplace settings in Ethiopia. Appropriate estimation of the problem is essential to formulate health service plans most fitted for workplaces. Hence, this review and meta-analysis intended to estimate the national pooled prevalence of workplace sexual violence in Ethiopia. Methods The databases used were; PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and African Journals Online. For a critical appraisal of the papers, we used the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument for cross-sectional studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using comprehensive meta-analysis and MetaXL software. Descriptive information of studies was presented in narrative form, and quantitative results were presented in forest plots. The Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were employed to test heterogeneity across studies. A random-effect model computed the pooled estimate prevalence with 95% confidence intervals. Results The pooled prevalence of workplace sexual violence was 22% (95% CI 17%, 28%). The pooled prevalence was 14.1% (95% CI 10.4%, 18.9%) for attempted rape, 8% (95% CI 5.7%, 11.1%) for rape, and 33.2% (95% CI 24.1%, 43.7%) for sexual harassment. The pooled prevalence was the highest among female university staffs 49% (95% CI 45%, 56%), and among commercial sex workers 28% (95% CI 3%, 59%). Conclusions This analysis revealed that the prevalence of sexual violence and sexual harassment in Ethiopian workplaces is high. It was also exceptionally high among female faculty staff, commercial sex workers, and workplaces in Tigray National regional state. Thus, concerned stakeholders must design and implement effective interventions to prevent workplace sexual violence in workplaces in Ethiopia and provide necessary support and care to the victims.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037976
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽  
Biruk Beletew Abate ◽  
Ayelign Mengesha Kassie ◽  
Murat Açık

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzieh Esmaeili ◽  
Fatemeh Abdi ◽  
Gita Shafiee ◽  
Hadis Rastad ◽  
Hamid Asayesh ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundEvidence showed that partial or complete loss of smell and taste might be a possible primary symptom of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This study aimed to systematically review and pool all available evidence on the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. MethodsIn this systematic review, a comprehensive search was carried out systematically through e-databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS); that was limited to English-language studies published from 2019 up to 6th May 2020. Afterward, all studies reported the taste and smell dysfunction in the COVID-19 patients were included. The quality of the studies was assessed by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The pooled prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was estimated using the random effects meta-analysis method.ResultsAmong 28 eligible included studies in this systematic review, finally, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. According to the random effect meta-analysis, the global pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of any olfactory dysfunction, anosmia, and hyposmia was 55% (40%-70%), 40% (22%-57%), and 40% (20%-61%) respectively. The pooled estimated prevalence of any gustatory dysfunction, ageusia, and dysgeusia was 41% (23%-59%), 31% (3%-59%), and 34% (19%-48%) respectively. ConclusionOlfactory and gustatory dysfunction is prevalent among COVID-19 patients. Therefore, olfactory and gustatory dysfunction seems to be part of important symptoms and notify for the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in the early phase of the infection.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamirat Hailegebreil

Abstract Background: Ethiopia is the second populous countries in Africa where millions of children are affected by malnutrition. Several original works are available online about child malnutrition in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to summarize the existing epidemiological data on undernutrition and possible determinants among school children in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using open access articles which report prevalence of stunting and wasting/thinness from PubMed Central, Scopus and Science direct. From 358 articles accessed online, 39 of them were eligible for this meta-analysis. The heterogeneities among studies were evaluated using I2 test and the pooled prevalence was calculated using a random effect model. Results: A total of 24, 716 school children were included in 39 eligible articles for this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of stunting and wasting/thinness among school children in Ethiopia were 23.1% (95% CI: 19.0 - 27.0%) and 22% (95% CI: 17% - 26%), respectively. The risk of stunting was increased among the student with meal frequency ≤ 3 times a day (OR= 3.02, 95% CI: 1.90 - 4.14), age > 10 years (OR= 2.16, 95% CI: 1.47 - 2.85) and family size ≥ 5 (OR= 1.88, 95% CI: 1.40 - 2.35). Similarly, the risk of wasting/thinness was increased with male sex (OR= 2.06, 95% CI: 1.54 - 2.58), low family income (OR= 2.16, 95% CI: 1.30 - 3.01) and age > 10 years (OR= 1.78, 95% CI: 0.74 - 2.82). High heterogeneity about the prevalence of stunting and wasting/thinness was observed among studies included in this meta-analysis (I2 > 98.6). Conclusions: This study showed that stunting and wasting/thinness are common nutritional problems in school children in Ethiopia. Large family size, male sex and age above 10 years were consistently associated with stunting and wasting/thinness in children. The finding of this study highlights the importance of new strategies to reduce undernutrition in Ethiopia. Keywords: stunting, wasting, thinness, undernutrition, systematic review, meta-analysis


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sintayehu Ambachew ◽  
Aklilu Endalamaw ◽  
Belete Biadgo ◽  
Abebaw Worede ◽  
Mulugeta Melku

Abstract Background: The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of hyperglycemia/insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and all-cause mortality. The burden of metabolic syndrome is emerging alarmingly in low-and middle income countries like Ethiopia. This is the protocol to determine the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopian population.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis will include original articles of observational studies published in the English language. Searches will be carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journals up to April 2019. A Fixed/Random-effect model will be used to estimate the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopia. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I² statistic. Sub-group analysis will also be conducted based on sex, study subjects, and methodological differences. Funnel plots and egger’s and Begg’s test will be used to asses publication bias.Ethics and dissemination: The review is based on published data; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize the existing data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopian population. This provides the empirical evidence necessary for researchers, policy-makers, and public health stakeholders to derive health-promoting policies, allocate resources, and set priorities for monitoring future trends. The final result will be presented at annual scientific meetings, conferences, and seminars. Moreover, it will also be published in the peer-reviewed reputable journal. We also plan to review every 5 years to provide updated information.Protocol registration number: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018090944)


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Aschalew Afework ◽  
Alemayehu Digssie ◽  
Netsanet Fentahun ◽  
Murat Açık ◽  
...  

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


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