Practice and factors associated with sunlight exposure of infants among mothers in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Exposure to sunlight aids in the body's production of vitamin D, guards against rickets, and treats newborn jaundice. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of sunlight exposure practice varies across studies. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the pooled practices and factors associated with sunlight exposure of infants among mothers in Ethiopia.

Methods: Electronic search was carried out using databases (PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, electronic databases, and Google Scholar) for relevant articles published from January 1, 2010, to March 27, 2024. The screening process was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Articles conducted in English and quantitatively expressed were considered in this review. The quality assessment of included articles was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data analysis was carried out using STATA-14 version software. I2 statistics and Egger's test were used to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. The pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of the meta-analysis utilizing the random effect model was displayed using forest plots, and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was utilized to quantify the association.

Results: 1171 records, 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis with 5190 study participants that fulfill the inclusion criteria, and all the included studies were cross-sectional in design. The pooled prevalence of sunlight exposure practice among mothers in Ethiopia was 45.38% CI (38.36, 52.4). Good sunlight-related knowledge (AOR; 1.61, 95% CI 1.3, 1.98), maternal formal education (AOR; 1.35, 95% CI 1.08, 1.69), housewife (AOR; 0.7, 95% CI 0.51, 0.95), and husband formal education (AOR; 1.29, 95% CI 1.07, 1.56) were significantly associated with good sunlight exposure practice.

Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of good sunlight exposure practice among mothers in Ethiopia was low. Good sunlight-related knowledge, being a housewife, and maternal and husband formal education were the factors that were associated with good sunlight exposure practice. Thus, the government needs to cater further assistance and initiate greater information circulation and follow-up to improve the situation.