Abstract Objective To evaluate the pooled prevalence and identify risk factors of congenital anomalies among neonates in Africa. Methods The pooled birth prevalence of congenital anomalies was the first outcome of this review, and the pooled measure of association between congenital anomalies and related risk factors in Africa was the second. We conducted a thorough search of the databases PubMed/ Medline, PubMed Central, Hinary, Google, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Web of Science and Google Scholar up to 31 January 2023. The JBI appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the studies. STATA V.17 was used for the analysis. The I 2 test and Eggers and Beggs tests were used to measure study heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was calculated using DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also performed. Result This systematic review and meta-analysis includes 32 studies with a total of 626 983 participants. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was 23.5 (95% CI 20 to 26.9) per 1000 newborns. Not taking folic acid (pooled OR=2.67; 95% CI (1.42 to 5.00)), history of maternal illness (pooled OR=2.44, 95% CI (1.2 to 4.94)), history of drug use (pooled OR=2.74, 95% CI (1.29 to 5.81)), maternal age (>35 years.) (Pooled OR=1.97, 95% CI (1.15 to 3.37)), drinking alcohol (pooled OR=3.15, 95% CI (1.4 to 7.04)), kchat chewing (pooled OR=3.34, 5% CI (1.68 to 6.65)) and urban residence (pooled OR=0.58, 95% CI (0.36 to 0.95)) were had significant association with congenital anomalies. Conclusion The pooled prevalence of congenital abnormalities in Africa was found to be substantial, with significant regional variation. Appropriate folate supplementation during pregnancy, proper management of maternal sickness, proper antenatal care, referring healthcare personnel before using drugs, avoiding alcohol intake and kchat chewing are all important in lowering the occurrence of congenital abnormalities among newborns in Africa. Keywords: neonatology, epidemiology
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Natnael Moges, Denekew Tenaw Anley, Melkamu Aderajew Zemene et al.. Congenital anomalies and risk factors in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Paediatrics Open. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002022 Natnael Moges, Denekew Tenaw Anley, Melkamu Aderajew Zemene, Getachew Asmare Adella, Yenealem Solomon, Berihun Bantie, Sefineh Fenta Felek, Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie, Wubet Alebachew Bayih, Ermiase Sisay Chanie, Fekadeselassie Belege Getaneh, Amare Kassaw, Anteneh Mengist Dessie
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Health sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia 2Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia 3Department of Reproductive Health and Nutrition, School of Public Health, Woliata Sodo University, Woliata Sodo, Ethiopia 4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia 5Department of Comprehensive Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia 6Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia 7Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia 8Department of Epidemiology and preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 9Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia 