Prevalence and associated risk factors of neglected tropical diseases in the Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This systematic review analyzed the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and associated risk factors in the Amhara region. Thirty-one articles from 2012 to 2022 were examined, and data analysis was conducted using STATA version 17. The overall NTD prevalence in Amhara was 29.9% (95% CI: 23.32–36.47). The highest prevalences were observed for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) at 37.86% (95% CI=27.57–48.15), Schistosoma at 37.77% (95% CI=16.90–58.61), scabies at 24.28% (95% CI=6.42-42.15), and trachoma at 19.55% (95% CI=13.38–25.72). Prevalence varied across zones, ranging from 6.10% (95% CI=4.33–7.87) in Awi to 46.40% (95% CI=42.90–48.80) in Bahir Dar. Factors associated with NTDs included illiteracy and raw vegetable consumption for STHs; male gender, river swimming, and contact with river water for Schistosoma; ocular discharge and fly-eye contact for trachoma; and family size >6, clothes sharing, and sleeping with scabies-infected individuals for scabies. Improved sanitation, health education, and personal hygiene are vital for controlling NTDs in the study region.