2.3. Data analysis procedure
Data were independently extracted and verified by two authors (B.J.M.C
and D.L.S), data verification was performed three times. Data extracted
from all articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the
calculation of the global prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and
recreational waters. To calculate the prevalence of each FLA genera,
only data extracted from articles that included molecular methods for
the identification of FLA were used. Data analysis was performed by two
authors (D.A and B.J.M.C) using Stata software (version 14; Stata Corp,
College Station, TX, USA) and GraphPad prism 8.02. A random-effects
model meta-analysis was performed to estimate the combined and weighted
prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, using a
95% confidence interval, and the results are visualized using a forest
plot. Cochrane’s Q test (chi-square) and the HigginsI 2 statistic were used to calculate the
heterogeneity index among the selected studies.I 2 values <25%, 25%–50% and
>50% meant low, moderate and high heterogeneity,
respectively. The Egger’s test was used to assess the significance of
publication bias among the selected studies, p < 0.001 was
considered significant.