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Background <p>Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most common infections affecting children in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.</p> Aim <p>This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature on the prevalence and types of intestinal parasitic infections among children in Ghana.</p> Methodology <p>Available articles were systematically retrieved on the prevalence and types of intestinal parasitic infection following database searches using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar African Journal Online, and Science Direct between 2010 and 2025. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data using a standardized Microsoft Excel data extraction form. The PRISMA framework guided the review, and a random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis using R software (version 4.5.0). Heterogeneity (I<sup>2</sup>) and publication bias (Egger’s test) were assessed. <i>P</i> &lt; 0.050 was considered statistically significant.</p> Results <p>Sixteen studies (16) conducted between 2010 and 2019 across various Ghanaian regions were included, with a total sample size ranging from 140 to 884 children. The overall pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among children in Ghana was 22% (95% CI: 12%–34%), with substantial regional variation, highest in Brong Ahafo/Upper East (40%) and lowest in Greater Accra (9%). Common parasites included Hookworm (14%), <i>Giardia intestinalis</i> (12%), <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> (8%), <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> (4%), and <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> (2%), with high heterogeneity across studies (I² &gt;98%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness of prevalence estimates, while funnel plot asymmetry suggested potential publication bias.</p> Conclusion <p>Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant burden among Ghanaian children, particularly in rural and under-resourced regions. The findings emphasize the need for region-specific deworming campaigns, improved sanitation, and routine parasitological screening to reduce the burden and health impact of these infections in early childhood.</p>

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Hidden in the gut: burden and regional variations of intestinal parasitic infections among Ghanaian children- systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月31日

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  • Kenneth Ablordey,
  • Precious Kwablah Kwadzokpui,
  • Memunatu Jibrim,
  • Israel Bedzina,
  • Boakye Desmond Kwabena,
  • Albert Abaka-Yawson,
  • Richard Vikpebah Duneeh

摘要

Background

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most common infections affecting children in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Aim

This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature on the prevalence and types of intestinal parasitic infections among children in Ghana.

Methodology

Available articles were systematically retrieved on the prevalence and types of intestinal parasitic infection following database searches using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar African Journal Online, and Science Direct between 2010 and 2025. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data using a standardized Microsoft Excel data extraction form. The PRISMA framework guided the review, and a random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis using R software (version 4.5.0). Heterogeneity (I2) and publication bias (Egger’s test) were assessed. P < 0.050 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Sixteen studies (16) conducted between 2010 and 2019 across various Ghanaian regions were included, with a total sample size ranging from 140 to 884 children. The overall pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among children in Ghana was 22% (95% CI: 12%–34%), with substantial regional variation, highest in Brong Ahafo/Upper East (40%) and lowest in Greater Accra (9%). Common parasites included Hookworm (14%), Giardia intestinalis (12%), Schistosoma mansoni (8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (2%), with high heterogeneity across studies (I² >98%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness of prevalence estimates, while funnel plot asymmetry suggested potential publication bias.

Conclusion

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant burden among Ghanaian children, particularly in rural and under-resourced regions. The findings emphasize the need for region-specific deworming campaigns, improved sanitation, and routine parasitological screening to reduce the burden and health impact of these infections in early childhood.