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Meta-Analysis
. 2021 Aug 12;10(1):223.
doi: 10.1186/s13643-021-01786-3.

Sero-prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Habtamu Geremew  1 , Demeke Geremew  2
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Sero-prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Habtamu Geremew et al. Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Syphilis remained a major cause of reproductive morbidity and poor pregnancy outcomes in developing countries. Previously, studies showed inconsistent results and failed to show the actual picture of the diseases in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was, first, to determine the updated pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia and, second, to assess its associated factors.

Methods: A comprehensive search was made on PubMed, Google scholar, Science Direct, and African Journals Online databases to identify relevant articles. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled syphilis prevalence and odds ratio (OR) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using STATA 14 statistical software. I2 statistics and Egger's regression test in conjunction with funnel plot was used to determine heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies respectively.

Result: We identified 13 suitable studies in this analysis. Accordingly, the pooled prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 2.32% (95% CI, 1.68-2.97). Specifically, syphilis prevalence was 2.53% (95% CI, 1.92-3.14%) and 1.90% (95% CI, 0.40-3.40%) as per the treponemal and non-ytreponemal diagnostic test, respectively. On the other hand, regional analysis indicated that 4.06% (95% CI, 2.86-5.26) in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP), 2.16% (95% CI, 1.57-2.75) in Amhara and 1.46% (95% CI, 0.69-2.23) in Oromia region. Being married (OR, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.12-0.91%)) was less likely to develop syphilis. On the other hand, women with history of multiple sexual partner (OR, 2.98 (95% CI, 1.15-7.70)) and women with history of previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) (OR, 4.88 (95% CI, 1.35-17.62)) have higher risk to develop syphilis. Besides, the pooled syphilis-HIV coinfection was 0.80% (95% CI, 0.60-1.01%).

Conclusion: This study provides evidence of relatively high prevalence of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Therefore, it is recommended to further ramping up of current intervention measures to prevent future generations.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020211650.

Keywords: Aero-prevalence; Ethiopia; Meta-analysis; Pregnant women; Syphilis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no that they have competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow chart for the studies screened, reviewed and included
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Pooled prevalence estimate (ES) of syphilis among pregnant women in Ethiopia
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Funnel plot, evaluating the existence of publication bias for pooled syphilis prevalence
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Pooled prevalence estimate (ES) of syphilis-HIV co-infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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