Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Sep 12, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 18, 2025
Epidemiological Characteristics of Intestinal Protozoan Infections and Their Risk Factors in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Intestinal protozoan infections, including infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium parvum, are prevalent among diarrheal patients in Malaysia. These parasites are primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water sources, posing a significant public health concern. These three common intestinal protozoa cause severe diarrheal disease with symptoms such as bloody stools, abdominal pain, stomach discomfort and bloating. Outbreaks of these infections have been reported in diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical regions, usually during the rainy season or in areas with poor sanitation. The purpose of this study is to systematically search published articles and synthesise evidence comparing the prevalence, risk factors, and detection methods of intestinal protozoal infections among patients across Malaysia.
Objective:
to systematically search published articles and synthesize evidence comparing the prevalence, risk factors, and detection methods of intestinal protozoal infections among patients across Malaysia.
Methods:
We will conduct a systematic review of observational and experimental studies investigating the overall prevalence, risk factors and detection methods of intestinal protozoal infection among patients in Malaysia as of January 1, 2010, onwards. The primary outcome will include diarrhoeal and/or intestinal protozoal infection status. Databases to be searched include PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science (WOS), Science Direct, and Google Scholar, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. For the meta-analysis of proportions, we calculate a summary proportion with its 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random effects model. Subgroups analysis will be conducted based on the risk factors, detection methods, sample size, socioeconomic status and the region. Heterogeneity will be assessed by visual inspection of confidence of the forest plot, and by using the STATA version 17.0 and Cochrane RevMan Q-test and I² test statistics
Results:
The result will be published in the meta-analysis paper.
Conclusions:
This review will provide a comprehensive statistical analysis of the prevalence data, the impact of risk factors, and the preferred method of detection of intestinal protozoal infection in patients in Malaysia and identifies gaps for future research. Clinical Trial: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023456199
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