Abstract
BACKGROUND: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) happens during childbearing when the amniotic fluid carries traces of meconium, the initial stool passed by a newborn. Often signaling fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid is linked to heightened risks for both the mother and the newborn. In Ethiopia, there is inadequate attention given to this condition. Despite varied study findings showing a significant range in the occurrence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, there is a lack of a comprehensive national overview. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the aggregated prevalence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid among mothers who gave birth and its associated factors in Ethiopia, providing an amalgamated understanding for healthcare strategies and policies. METHODS: Studies were rigorously searched using worldwide databases from PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, And Embase from June 30 to July 15, 2024. By using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality Appraisal checklist for a cross-sectional study design, the quality of the articles retrieved was evaluated. The random effect model was used for the meta-analysis, and STATA version 14 software for Windows was used for the statistical analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used for reporting results. RESULTS: A total of six observational cross-sectional studies were included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence of meconium-stained Amniotic fluid among mothers who gave birth in Ethiopia was 19.58% (95% CI = 18.23-20.93). According to the pooled odds ratio, premature rupture of membranes (AOR = 2.15; 95%CI: 1.24.-3.07), obstructed labor (AOR = 3.36; 95%CI: 1.07.-5.65) and preeclampsia (AOR = 4.26; 95%CI: 1.51-7.01) had significant association with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggested that premature rupture of the membrane, obstructed labor, and preeclampsia are positively related to meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce meconium-stained amniotic fluid incidence and lessen related adverse outcomes in Ethiopia.