Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among adults in East African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Habtamu Wagnew Abuhay, Tigabu Kidie Tesfie, Meron Asmamaw Alemayehu, Muluken Chanie Agimas, Getaneh Awoke Yismaw, Gebrie Getu Alemu, Nebiyu Mekonnen Derseh and Bantie Getnet Yirsaw

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most significant public health problems. Globally, one in ten adults has diabetes, and it results in macro- or microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is one of the most prevalent eye complications associated with DM, and it is the main cause of vision loss. Even though East African countries face a growing burden of diabetes and DR, no study depicts the regional prevalence and its associated factors. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of DR and its associated factors among adults in East African countries. Methods: We extensively searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google for relevant studies. A forest plot was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of diabetic retinopathy using DerSimonian and Laird’s random-effects model. We checked publication bias using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. Potential heterogeneity was tested using the I-squared statistic. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression analysis were also performed. Furthermore, the pooled odds ratios for the associated factors were estimated. The research protocol was registered in PROSPER. Results: Among the 29 included studies, the estimated pooled prevalence of DR in East African countries was 28% (95% CI 23.0, 33.0). Besides, age ≥60 (OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.55, 5.32), body mass index ≥ 25 (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.81; I2 = 85.4%, p

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0316160

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316160

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