Burden and determinants of benign prostate hyperplasia in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine the prevalence and determinants of benign prostate hyperplasia in Africa via a meta-analysis.

This report was presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses checklist. Thirteen articles were searched via PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and African Journal Online. Data were extracted via Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 17 for analysis. The data were analyzed via the random effects model. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I² statistics. Publication bias was detected via funnel plots and Egger's test.

In 13 studies conducted in Africa, with a sample size of 5619 people between 2011 and 2024, the pooled prevalence of benign prostate hyperplasia was 44 % (95 % CI 31 %-57 %) in Africa. According to the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence was greater in studies published from 2011--2018 (56 % (95 % CI: 38--73)) than in those published from 2019--2024 (34 %). The pooled prevalence rates were also greater in those with sample sizes > 500 than in those with sample sizes < 500 (45 % vs 41 %). Family history of BPH (OR = 5.56; 95 % CI; 1.57, 9.55), difficulty in sexual activity (OR = 13.14; 95 % CI: 5.50, 20.77), use of traditional eye medication (OR = 2.27; 95 % CI: 1.68, 2.86), family history (OR = 4.93; 95 % CI: 3.13, 6.72) and inadequate sleeping time (OR = 2.90, 95 % CI = 2.25-3.55) were factors associated with benign prostate hyperplasia among adults.

The pooled prevalence of BPH among adults living in Africa was significant. Family history, difficulty in sexual activity and inadequate sleeping time were significantly associated with benign prostate hyperplasia. The greater burden of BPH across the country calls for efforts by health policy makers to pay attention to it.