Effectiveness of Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Nutritional Interventions to Reduce Pathogenic Infections and Improve Nutritional Status in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and nutritional interventions in reducing pathogenic infections 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 pathogenic infections. Result WASH interventions exhibited significant reductions in weight-related outcomes (OR: 0.58) and pathogenic infections (OR: 0.40). Height outcomes showed a positive effect (OR: 0.66). Nutritional interventions indicated significant reductions in weight-related outcomes (OR: 0.33) and positive effects on height (OR: 0.27). Although a trend towards reduced pathogenic infections was observed (OR: 0.78), statistical significance was not reached. Conclusion WASH and nutritional interventions demonstrated meaningful impacts on weight, height, and pathogenic infections in children. These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing such interventions for enhancing child health and well-being.