Magnitude and Determinants of Intestinal Parasites among Children under Five in Ethiopia During 2010–2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) poses a serious public health threat across the globe, particularly in children in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. This study was to provide pooled estimates for the individually available data on IPI and its predictors among children under five in Ethiopia. Methods: Cochrane’s Q, I², sensitivity analysis, funnel plot, Begg’s, and Egger’s regression tests were used to check heterogeneity and publication bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of IPI among children under five. Results: The pooled prevalence of IPI among children under five was 28.27% (95% CI = 20.52–36.03%). Of these, single and mixed infections contribute to 28.02% and 0.25%. Intestinal parasites were significantly associated with eating raw fruits and vegetables [AO = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.11, 5.31]. Conclusion: Under the present scenario, the IPI ranges from 17.78 to 40.05%, and the IPI is higher in community-based studies of children under five.

Keywords:

• children under five
• Ethiopia
• helminths
• intestinal parasitic infections
• protozoa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data access statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available freely upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The authors declare that they did not receive funding for this systematic review and meta-analysis from any source.