DOI: 10.11648/j.ajcem.20261404.12 ISSN: 2330-8133

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in Ethiopia

Bacha Chuko, Fikru Assefa, Nebiyu Taye, Zufela Sime, Derara Kebata, Gada Edea, Girma Teferi, Shambel Negese
Show PDF Cite
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common neonatal disorder worldwide and represents an important contributor to newborn morbidity, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Although multiple primary studies have investigated this condition, nationally representative and updated pooled evidence regarding its magnitude and determinants in Ethiopia is still limited. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD420251108378). A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Embase, was undertaken to identify eligible studies. Observational studies that reported the prevalence and/or determinants of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among newborns in Ethiopia were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and the pooled effect estimates of associated factors. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA version 14. The extent of heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I 2 statistic, and potential publication bias was assessed through funnel plot inspection and Egger’s statistical test. Results: A total of nine studies involving 2,476 neonates were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Ethiopia was 27.77% (95% CI: 21.29-34.26%). The meta-analysis identified several factors significantly associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, including male sex (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.37-2.83), neonatal sepsis (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.40-4.61), and prematurity (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.21-3.27). These findings indicate that male neonates and those with underlying clinical conditions, particularly sepsis and prematurity, had higher odds of developing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: Evidence suggested that low pooled neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The findings highlight a significant association between male neonates, neonatal sepsis, and prematurity with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Routine early screening and timely management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia should be strengthened in Ethiopia. Health facilities need adequate phototherapy and laboratory services. Policymakers should prioritize neonatal care resources, and further high-quality community-based research should be conducted.

More from our Archive