Effectiveness of water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutritional interventions to reduce pathogenic infections and improve nutritional status in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and nutritional interventions (NIs) in reducing pathogenic infections (PIs) and improving nutritional status in children. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Epistemonikos. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, comparing interventions related to WASH and nutritional enhancements against control groups. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to analyze the impact on weight, height, and PIs. Result: WASH interventions exhibited significant reductions in weight-related outcomes (OR: 0.58) and PIs (OR: 0.40). Height outcomes showed a positive effect (OR: 0.66). NIs indicated significant reductions in weight-related outcomes (OR: 0.33) and positive effects on height (OR: 0.27). Although a trend toward reduced PIs was observed (OR: 0.78), statistical significance was not reached. Conclusion: WASH and NIs demonstrated meaningful impacts on weight, height, and PIs in children. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing such interventions for enhancing child health and well-being.