PROTOCOL FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SCABIES IN ETHIOPIA

Temesgen Negassa*, Dereilo Bekere Belitibo, Asfaw Merssa, Dinka Dugassa, Dagim Samuel, Busha Gamachu, Chaltu Hinkosa, Firomsa Bekele

ABSTRACT

Background: Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, transmitted through close personal contact. Despite being easily treatable, it remains a neglected tropical disease, particularly prevalent among vulnerable populations in low-resource settings. In Ethiopia, scabies has been identified as a significant public health concern, especially affecting disadvantaged groups such as street dwellers, migrants, and the impoverished. However, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of scabies in Ethiopia have been inconsistent and poorly organized. Objectives: to estimate the pooled prevalence of scabies and identify associated factors across all age groups in Ethiopia. Methods and analysis: International databases, including PubMed/PMC/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Google, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library, will be systematically searched from September 1, 2024, to November 18, 2024. All observational studies published between January 1, 1995, and November 18, 2024, that reported the prevalence or associated factors of scabies in Ethiopia will be considered. Data extraction was performed independently by two authors using a standardized format. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA Version 16.1, employing a random effects meta-analysis approach to account for heterogeneity among studies. Ethics and dissemination: Since data from previously published research will be retrieved and examined, no ethical approval will be required. In addition to presenting the findings at conferences, we will write an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide comprehensive evidence on the pooled prevalence and associated factors of scabies across all age groups in Ethiopia. The findings aim to fill existing knowledge gaps and support public health efforts in developing more effective prevention and control strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Keywords:

Scabies, Prevalence, Associated factors, Systematic review, Meta-analysis, Neglected tropical disease.

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