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Meta-Analysis
. 2023 Nov 3;15(6):630-643.
doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad038.

Vitamin A deficiency among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Addis Eyeberu  1 , Tamirat Getachew  1 , Getahun Tiruye  1 , Bikila Balis  1 , Dawit Tamiru  1 , Habtamu Bekele  1 , Mohommed Abdurke  1 , Addisu Alemu  2 , Yadeta Dessie  2 , Kasiye Shiferaw  1 , Adera Debela  1
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Vitamin A deficiency among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Addis Eyeberu et al. Int Health. .

Abstract

Background: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy is a public health challenge in low-income countries. There are inconsistent findings that can affect policy in planning appropriate intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the evidence in order to identify existing gaps and propose strategies to reduce VAD during pregnancy in Ethiopia.

Methods: This study included published and unpublished observational studies searched from different databases (PubMed, CINHAL [EBSCO], Embase, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Search and MedNar). Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata version 14 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effects model.

Results: A total of 37 618 pregnant women from 15 studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of VAD was 29% (95% confidence interval 21 to 36) with I2=99.67% and p<0.001. Socio-economic and sociodemographic factors were identified as affecting vitamin A deficiencies among pregnant women.

Conclusions: Nearly one-third of pregnant women in Ethiopia had VAD. Strengthening intervention modalities that aimed to increase the uptake of vitamin A-rich foods can avert VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Keywords: Ethiopia; meta-analysis; pregnant women; systematic review; vitamin A deficiency.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA flow diagram shows the selection process of included articles for systematic review and meta-analysis.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Pooled prevalence of VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia, 2021.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Subgroup analysis of the pooled prevalence of VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia based on region, 2021.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Subgroup analysis of the pooled prevalence of VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia based on the diagnostic tool, 2021.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Subgroup analysis of the pooled prevalence of VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia based on study setting, 2021.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Funnel plot of VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia, 2021.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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