A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol on knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among women in Africa

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the pooled knowledge level of obstetric danger signs and related factors among African women. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis incorporating cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort study designs. METHODS: Studies published with full texts in English language from the beginning to the present will be searched in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. Checklists from the Joanna Briggs Institute will be used to assess the quality of the studies’ methodology. Data extraction, critical appraisal, and screening of all retrieved articles will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Statistical analysis will be performed using the STATA-14 and Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3) software packages. A random effect will be employed to demonstrate pooled estimates of knowledge among women. For determinants of knowledge, an effect size with a 95% confidence interval will be analyzed. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the registration ID and link as follows: CRD42022379085; CRD register@york.ac.ukhttps://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd DISCUSSION: Women who are more knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs are more likely to seek emergency care on time, closely attend antenatal care, and be better prepared for labor and any complications, which reduces both maternal and child mortality. This analysis will provide evidence of the pooled prevalence of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among African women, as well as contributing factors.