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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Syphilis | Protocol

The epidemiology of syphilis in Ethiopia: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis covering the last three decades

Authors: Kindie Mitiku Kebede, Dejene Derseh Abateneh, Alemayehu Sayih Belay, Gizachew Ayele Manaye

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Several individual epidemiological studies in Ethiopia suggest that syphilis is a public health problem. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no synthesized and meta-analysis data on the epidemiology of syphilis in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize and synthesize existing data on the prevalence of syphilis in Ethiopia.

Method

Studies reporting the prevalence of syphilis will be identified from major databases and gray literature. The major databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and African journal online) and gray literature (Google Scholar search engine, official WHO and CDC websites, the online library of academic and governmental institutions in Ethiopia) will be searched. Studies published/reported from 1 January 1990 to 1 January 2019 will be included to have a contemporary estimation. A random-effect meta-analysis of prevalence will be used after stabilizing the variance of included studies using a single arc transformation. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instruments. Heterogeneity and publication bias will be assessed. If significant heterogeneity is detected, subgroup analysis will be done using study region, study population, diagnostic assay/syphilis screening tool, median sample size, year of data collection, study sites, sampling method, and methodological quality as grouping variables.

Discussion

This systematic review and meta-analysis intend to contribute an improved knowledge on the epidemiology of syphilis in Ethiopia. Knowledge about the epidemiology of syphilis may help policymakers and other stakeholders to allocate resources and target interventions for the prevention and elimination of syphilis.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018116231
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The epidemiology of syphilis in Ethiopia: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis covering the last three decades
Authors
Kindie Mitiku Kebede
Dejene Derseh Abateneh
Alemayehu Sayih Belay
Gizachew Ayele Manaye
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-1136-z

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