Epidemiology of Peripheral Neuropathies in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2020: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Epidemiological studies on peripheral neuropathy (PN) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have been conducted out in various target populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to present and update available descriptive data on PN in SSA from 2000 to 2020.

Research was performed in indexed databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, African Journals Online, and grey literature databases. Studies were selected according to the PRISMA methodology and data were extracted using a collection grid. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed to determine the pooled frequency measures of PNs.

Overall, 116 studies were included in this review, comprising 75,227 subjects (59.71% male, mean age range 9-68.8 years). The highest number of studies were conducted in East Africa (n = 47; 40.5%). The pooled hospital frequency of PN was 39.6% ([95% CI: 34.2-45.2], I2 = 99.32%), the pooled prevalence was 4.30% ([95% CI: 2.50-6.50], I2 = 97.52%), and the pooled hospital incidence was 15.60% per year ([95% CI: 5.10-29.70], I2 = 98.78%). Pooled hospital frequency of PN was higher in diabetic patients (50.30% [95% CI: 28.30-66.70], I2 = 99%) and in Southern Africa (44.30% [95% CI: 27.80-61.10], I2 = 99%). For using electroneuromyogram as a diagnostic tool, the pooled hospital frequency of PN was 76.80% ([95% CI: 67.30-85.40], I2 = 67%). The frequency of polyneuropathy subgroup was 34.40% ([95% CI: 29.90-46.90], I2 = 99.20%).

PNs are frequent in SSA and particularly in certain target groups. It is important to improve preventive measures for HIV and diabetes and increase the understanding of risk factors associated with PN.