The Effect of Maternal Antenatal Care Utilisation on Childhood Acute Respiratory Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) offers a valuable opportunity to reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children under five; however, its impact remains less understood and has not been comprehensively synthesised. This systematic review aimed to assess evidence on the association between ANC utilisation and ARIs in children under five.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2025. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed in reporting. A qualitative synthesis was performed for all ARI outcomes, and a meta-analysis was conducted for pneumonia.

Results

Eleven observational studies assessed the association between ANC utilisation and ARIs. Three ARI-relat

SUBMITTER: Asresie M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12652360 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature