Epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

So far, only one meta-analysis has estimated the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Africa. Out of 10 studies included in that meta-analysis, nine came from sub-Saharan African countries and had been published between 1968 and 1988. We will conduct a new systematic review and meta-analysis to update their estimates and provide more consistent prevalence data on RA in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We will comprehensively search electronic databases to select observational studies addressing RA in sub-Saharan Africa and published as from 1 January 2000: PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus. Summary estimates will be derived through random-effects meta-analysis whenever possible. Alternatively, estimates will be repo

SUBMITTER: Essouma M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7164226 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature