Malaria prevention practice in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening vector-borne illness which is caused by plasmodium species that remains preventable and treatable. However, malaria continues to be among Ethiopia’s top ten leading causes of mortality. Insecticide treated bed net, indoor residual spray, timely diagnosis and treatment with artemisinin-based combination treatment are the effective methods for preventing and treating malaria. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to synthesize pooled of malaria prevention practice in Ethiopia. Studies were identified using electronic library databases. Condition, Context, and Population approach for prevalence studies was used to declare inclusion and exclusion criteria. DerSimonian-Laird random effect model was used for analysis. Heterogeneity test was checked by Cochrane Q-test and I 2 statistics. Small study effects were checked using Egger’s statistical test, and funnel plot. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, eight articles were included in the review by using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram. The pooled malaria prevention practice in Ethiopia was 43.04%. In pooled effect size estimate; the availability of insecticide treated net (OR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.04, 17.81), and good knowledge regarding malaria (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.11, 7.01) were statistically significant determinants of malaria prevention practice. The current systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the pooled malaria prevention practice in Ethiopia is low. Factors affecting malaria prevention practice were knowledge, and availability of long-lasting insecticide treated net within the household. To achieve global targets there should be awareness regarding malaria prevention and widespread distributions of long-lasting insecticide treated net to the households is necessary.