Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Saudi Arabia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

IF 3.8 4区 医学 Q1 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Najm Z Alshahrani, Abdullah M Alarifi, Abdullah M Assiri
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) pose a significant public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where epidemiological data remain scarce. These diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leading to chronic morbidity and economic burdens. Understanding their distribution and burden is crucial for effective public health interventions. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence, distribution, and etiological patterns of NTDs in KSA, identifying key research gaps and informing future policy directions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on peer-reviewed studies published between 1950 and 2024 that investigated NTDs in humans in KSA. Ninety-four articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority (69.15%, n = 65) were published after 2010, with most studies concentrated in the western (n = 35, 37.23%) and southwestern (n = 15, 15.96%) regions, areas known for environmental and socioeconomic factors that may contribute to disease transmission. Protozoal NTDs were the most frequently reported (n = 28, 29.78%), followed by viral (n = 26, 27.66%), helminthic (n = 18, 19.15%), and ectoparasitic (n = 9, 9.57%) infections. Bacterial (n = 5, 5.32%), fungal (n = 4, 4.26%), and venom-related (n = 4, 4.26%) NTDs were less commonly reported. Meta-analysis yielded pooled prevalence estimates of leishmaniasis at 0.59 (95% CI: 0.38-0.77, I² = 94.2%) and dengue at 0.20 (95% CI: 0.05-0.53, I² = 98.8%), highlighting a substantial disease burden and high heterogeneity among studies. The findings emphasize the urgent need for strengthened national surveillance, improved diagnostic capacity, and region-specific interventions to control NTDs in KSA. Future research should focus on underrepresented regions, expand community-based epidemiological studies, and integrate cross-border surveillance strategies to mitigate disease importation risks. By addressing these gaps, KSA can enhance its preparedness and contribute to global NTD elimination efforts.

沙特阿拉伯被忽视的热带病(NTDs):系统回顾和荟萃分析
被忽视的热带病对热带和亚热带地区构成重大的公共卫生挑战,特别是在流行病学数据仍然匮乏的沙特阿拉伯王国。这些疾病不成比例地影响弱势人群,导致慢性发病率和经济负担。了解它们的分布和负担对于有效的公共卫生干预至关重要。本研究旨在系统评估沙特阿拉伯被忽视热带病的流行、分布和病因模式,确定关键的研究空白,并为未来的政策方向提供信息。对1950年至2024年间发表的同行评议研究进行了系统回顾和荟萃分析,这些研究调查了沙特阿拉伯人类的被忽视热带病。94篇文章符合纳入标准。大多数(69.15%,n = 65)发表于2010年以后,其中大部分研究集中在西部地区(n = 35, 37.23%)和西南地区(n = 15, 15.96%),这些地区已知存在可能导致疾病传播的环境和社会经济因素。原生动物感染最多(n = 28, 29.78%),其次是病毒感染(n = 26, 27.66%)、蠕虫感染(n = 18, 19.15%)和外寄生虫感染(n = 9, 9.57%)。细菌性(n = 5, 5.32%)、真菌性(n = 4, 4.26%)和毒液相关(n = 4, 4.26%)的ntd报告较少。荟萃分析得出利什曼病的合并患病率估计为0.59 (95% CI: 0.38-0.77, I²= 94.2%),登革热的合并患病率估计为0.20 (95% CI: 0.05-0.53, I²= 98.8%),强调了大量疾病负担和研究之间的高度异质性。研究结果强调,迫切需要加强国家监测,提高诊断能力,并采取针对区域的干预措施,以控制沙特阿拉伯的被忽视热带病。未来的研究应侧重于代表性不足的地区,扩大基于社区的流行病学研究,并整合跨境监测战略以减轻疾病输入风险。通过解决这些差距,沙特阿拉伯可以加强其准备工作,并为全球消除非传染性疾病的努力作出贡献。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
10.70
自引率
1.40%
发文量
57
审稿时长
19 weeks
期刊介绍: The Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health is an esteemed international publication, offering a platform for peer-reviewed articles that drive advancements in global epidemiology and international health. Our mission is to shape global health policy by showcasing cutting-edge scholarship and innovative strategies.
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