Magnitude and Determinants of Intestinal Parasites among Children under Five in Ethiopia During 2010-2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background : Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) poses a serious public health threat across the globe, particularly in children in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. This study was to provide pooled estimates for the individually available data on IPI and its predictors among children under five in Ethiopia. Methods : Cochrane's Q , I 2 , sensitivity analysis, funnel plot, Begg's, and Egger's regression tests were used to check heterogeneity and publication bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of IPI among children under five. Results : The pooled prevalence of IPI among children under five was 28.27% (95% CI = 20.52-36.03%). Of these, single and mixed infections contribute to 28.02% and 0.25%. Intestinal parasites were significantly associated with eating raw fruits and vegetables [AO = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.11, 5.31]. Conclusion : Under the present scenario, the IPI ranges from 17.78 to 40.05%, and the IPI is higher in community-based studies of children under five.