Prevalence and determinants of anaemia in children aged 6-59 months in Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Anaemia, especially in children aged <5 years, is a global health problem disproportionately affecting populations in low-income and middle-income countries. It is associated with high disability and death rates and has a negative effect on development. This study seeks to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of anaemia in children aged 6-59 months residing in Africa.

Methods and analysis: This protocol was prepared using the 2015 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Protocols guidelines. Relevant citations will be identified by searching EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Global Medicus Index and African Journals Online from inception to 30 September 2019 with no language restrictions. Two authors will independently screen and select eligible studies for the review. Random-effect meta-analytic methods will be used to pool study-specific estimates and heterogeneity will be assessed and quantified using the χ² test on Cochrane's Q and I² statistics, respectively. Publication bias will be evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. Subgroup analysis and multiple meta-regression using backward elimination will be performed to investigate sources of substantial heterogeneity.

Ethics and dissemination: No ethical approval is required for this study as it is based on already published data. The findings of the review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.