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Meta-analysis and public policy: Reconciling the evidence on deworming

Author

Listed:
  • Kevin Croke

    (a Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA 02115)

  • Joan Hamory

    (b Department of Economics, University of Oklahoma , Norman , OK 73019)

  • Eric Hsu

    (c Department of Economics, University of California , Berkeley , CA 94720)

  • Michael Kremer

    (e National Bureau of Economic Research , Cambridge , MA 02138)

  • Ricardo Maertens

    (f Department of Economics, Harvard University , Cambridge , MA 02138)

  • Edward Miguel

    (e National Bureau of Economic Research , Cambridge , MA 02138)

  • Witold WiÄ™cek

    (d Department of Economics, University of Chicago , Chicago , IL 60637)

Abstract

The WHO recommends mass drug administration (MDA) for intestinal worm infections in areas with over 20% infection prevalence. Recent Cochrane meta-analyses endorse treatment of infected individuals but recommend against MDA. We conducted a theory-agnostic random-effects meta-analysis of the effect of multiple-dose MDA and a cost-effectiveness analysis. We estimate significant effects of MDA on child weight (0.15 kg, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.24; P < 0.001), mid-upper arm circumference (0.20 cm, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.37; P = 0.02), and height (0.09 cm, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.16; P = 0.02) when prevalence is over 20% but not on Hb (0.06 g/dL, 95% CI: −0.01, 0.14; P = 0.1). These results suggest that MDA is a cost-effective intervention, particularly in the settings where it is recommended by the WHO.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Croke & Joan Hamory & Eric Hsu & Michael Kremer & Ricardo Maertens & Edward Miguel & Witold WiÄ™cek, 2024. "Meta-analysis and public policy: Reconciling the evidence on deworming," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 121(25), pages 2308733121-, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:121:y:2024:p:e2308733121
    DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308733121
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