Abstract:
Introduction Podoconiosis is a non-filarial swelling of
the lower extremity endemic in tropical regions, North
America and India. The aetiology and pathophysiology
of the disease remain unknown. We propose conducting
a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate
the burden and risk factors of podoconiosis in Ethiopia
reported in studies from 2009 to 2019.
Methods and analysis We will search the following
electronic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Hinari,
Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature,
ISI (Web of Science) and Google Scholar. Medical subject
headings will be used to extensively search relevant
literature on electronic databases using related keywords
such as epidemiology or prevalence, magnitude or burden,
podoconiosis, and Ethiopia. Grey literature and manual
search will also be performed to retrieve unindexed
research articles. Two reviewers will screen all retrieved
articles, conduct data extraction and then critically
appraise all identified studies. We will analyse data using
STATA V.14 statistical software. We will demonstrate
pooled estimates of podoconiosis and associated factors
with effect size and 95% CI. The presence of heterogeneity
among studies will be examined by forest plot as well as
the I2 heterogeneity test. Potential causes of heterogeneity
will be explored by carrying out sensitivity and subgroup
analyses. The presence of publication bias will also be
examined by observing funnel plots and objectively by
Egger’s regression test. If the funnel plot is asymmetric
and/or Egger’s test was found to be statistically significant
(p<0.05), the trim and fill (Duval and Tweedie’s) analysis
will be performed.
Ethics and dissemination The study will use publicly
available data and will not identify the authors of the
publication by name. In light of these and as has been
indicated, research ethics clearance is not required for
evidence syntheses in such reviews. The results of this
study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and
presented at national and international conferences.
PROSPERO registration number CRD42019127459.
