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

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #pregnancy #humans #pregnant-people #vitamin-a-deficiency

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

Eyeberu et al., 2023 | Int Health | Meta Analysis

Citation

Eyeberu Addis, Getachew Tamirat, ... Debela Adera. Vitamin A deficiency among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Health. 2023-Nov-03;15(6):630-643. doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihad038

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 METHODS: This study included published and unpublished observational studies searched from different databases (PubMed, CINHAL [EBSCO], Embase, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Web of Sciences,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.

Key Findings

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.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pregnant women
Sample Size 15
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Pregnancy
  • Humans
  • Pregnant People
  • Vitamin A Deficiency
  • Ethiopia
  • Vitamin A
  • Prevalence
  • Observational Studies as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: vitamin-a

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09