Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Mickael Essouma1, Jan René Nkeck2, Francky Teddy Endomba3
1Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon. essmic@rocketmail.com.
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 reported through narrative synthesis when the random-effects meta-analysis will be impossible. The risk of bias will be assessed using standard methods.
Discussion:
This systematic review and meta-analysis shall quantify the magnitude of RA morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Results from this review will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and on social media platforms.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO CRD42020153483.
Related Concept Videos
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

