Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology
The prevalence of harmful traditional umbilical cord care practices and associated factors in newborns: a systematic review and meta-analysis
By Gessesse AD, Kelkay JM, Derso YA and 6 others.
Abstract
Background
Harmful umbilical cord care practices remain a major public health concern in various developing countries, contributing significantly to neonatal sepsis, which accounts for approximately 15% of all neonatal deaths globally. Despite known health risks, many caregivers continue to rely on traditional methods. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the national prevalence of such practices and identify associated factors.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for publications from 2012 to September 2025. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics and Cochran's Q test, and a random-effects model was applied. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test, with subgroup analyses conducted to explore heterogeneity among studies.