scholarly journals Treatment Outcome of Epileptic Patients Receiving Antiepileptic Drugs in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Taklo Simeneh Yazie ◽  
Belayneh Kefale ◽  
Mulugeta Molla
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Epileptic Patients

Background. The prevalence and incidence rate of epilepsy were found to be higher in low- and middle-income countries. Uncontrolled epilepsy has a high risk of disability, stigma, discrimination, human rights violations, and premature death. The available studies of controlled seizure in Ethiopia have showed inconsistent results which calls for systematic review and meta-analysis. Therefore, this review intended to show the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure among people with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs at outpatient department. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Hinnarri databases, and Google Scholar for grey literatures. Data were extracted with structured format prepared using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata/MP 16.0 software for analyses. The I 2 test was used to check the heterogeneity between primary studies with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. A total of 23 primary studies were included in the review showing the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure to be 46% (95% CI: 35, 56). A subgroup analysis of the primary studies showed a considerable variation in magnitude of seizure freedom by study regions, age groups, and seizure-free period. The highest prevalence was found in Addis Ababa 52% (95% CI: 29, 75), pediatric patients 77% (95% CI: 71, 83), and a seizure-free period of less than six months 58% (95% CI: 32, 83). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence of controlled seizure was found in Tigray 27% (95% CI: 11, 65), adult patients 43% (95% CI: 32, 54), and a seizure-free period of six or more 41% (95% CI: 32, 51). Higher frequency of seizure before treatment (2.23, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.31) and medication nonadherence (2.7, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.15) had statistically significant association with uncontrolled seizure. Conclusion. In this review, the prevalence of controlled seizure was found to be low. This warrants that clinicians should give more focus to epileptic patients regarding monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcome of epilepsy and factors that affect seizure control in routine clinical services. The use of standardized definition of controlled seizure, designing strategies to identify pharmacoresistant epilepsy and its treatment, and increasing medication adherence are recommended in Ethiopia. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42021215302.

scholarly journals Prevalence and mortality of Lung Comorbidities Among Patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed G Alkhathami ◽  
Shailesh M Advani ◽  
Adil A Abalkhail ◽  
Fahad M Alkhathami ◽  
Mohammed K Alshehri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 infections are seen across all age groups but they have shown to have a predisposition for the elderly and those with underlying comorbidities. Patients with severe COVID-19 infections and comorbidities are more prone to respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilator use and ultimately succumb to these complications. Little evidence exists of the prevalence of underlying lung comorbidities among COVID-19 patients and associated mortality.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the literature including PubMed (Medline), Embase (Ovid), Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. The last date for our search was 29th April 2020. We included all original research articles on COVID-19 and calculated prevalence of chronic lung disease patients among COVID-19 patients using random effects model. Further we assessed for mortality rates among COVID-19 patients associated with these lung comorbidities.ResultsThe authors identified 29 articles that reported prevalence of chronic lung conditions among COVID-19 patients. Among those, 26 were from China and 3 from the United States. The pooled prevalence of lung comorbidities including Asthma, COPD, and lung cancer was 3% (95% CI=0-14%), 2.2% (95% CI=0.02-0.03%) and 2.1% (95% CI=0.00-0.21%) respectively. Mortality rates associated with these comorbidities was 30% (41/137) for COPD and 19% (7/37) for lung cancer respectively. No mortality rates were reported for patients with asthma.ConclusionThis study offers latest evidence of prevalence of chronic lung conditions among patients with COVID-19. Asthma, followed by COPD and lung cancer, was the most common lung comorbidity associated with COVID-19, while the higher mortality rate was found in COPD. Future studies are needed to assess other lung comorbidities and associated mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Prevalence of dog-mediated rabies in Ethiopia: a systematic review and Meta-analysis from 2010 to 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiret Belete ◽  
Melke Meseret ◽  
Haileyesus Dejene ◽  
Ayalew Assefa
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Human Rabies ◽  
Individual Study ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns

Abstract Background Ethiopia accommodates the second largest number of human rabies deaths in Africa. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize and pool estimates of dog-mediated rabies status in Ethiopia. Methods Published researches between 2010 and 2020 were comprehensively searched and the required information was extracted. The prevalence was estimated using the random-effects meta-analysis because higher heterogeneity between studies was expected. Results The pooled estimate of rabies was 32% (95% CI: 19–46%), with individual study prevalence estimates ranged from 1 to 78%. Studies were approximately weighted equally with individual weight ranging from 5.19–5.28%. Subgroup analysis indicated that the random pooled prevalence of rabies was 28% (95% CI: 0–81%) in animals and 33% (95% CI: 20–47%) in humans. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis across regions indicated that the pooled prevalence was 78% in Addis Ababa, 46% in Oromia, 40% in Tigray and 5% in Amhara regional states. No single study was reported from the country’s eastern and southern parts to be included in this meta-analysis. Conclusion The estimated pooled rabies prevalence was found high and showed varying among study regions. Therefore, focusing on mass dog vaccination campaigns and public awareness should be implemented to control the disease.

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) among people with HIV in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosef Zenebe ◽  
Baye Akele ◽  
Mulugeta W/Selassie ◽  
Mogesie Necho
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Size Heterogeneity

Abstract Background Ethiopia, being in the Sub Saharan region of Africa, is one of the countries with a substantial burden of HIV infection. Because of the high burden of HIV and poor health care settings, HAND is prevalent as demonstrated in various cross-sectional studies. However, no review has been conducted to report the consolidated magnitude of HAND among people with HIV in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of HAND in Ethiopia. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that investigated the prevalence of HAND in Ethiopia from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, HINARI, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. We also looked at the reference lists of the included studies to include other relevant studies. Subgroup analysis was performed based on publication year, study location, and sample size. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Potential publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test and visual inspection of symmetry in the funnel plots. Results In the present meta-analysis, 627 articles were initially identified and evaluated. Of these, 8 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of HAND in people with HIV in Ethiopia was 39.15% (95% CI 29.36, 48.94). The highest prevalence observed in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) with 53.20% (95% CI 25.96, 80.44) followed by others 34.87% (Tigray, Addis Ababa, and Oromia) (95% CI 33.49, 36.24) and Amhara 34.07% (95% CI 25.39, 42.74).The funnel plot was asymmetrical. However, Egger’s regression tests provided no evidence of publication bias in the prevalence of HAND. Conclusion In this meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of HAND, in Ethiopia, was high. Older age, substance use, advanced stages of the disease, and lack of education were the main determinants of HAND in Ethiopia. Health education, early screening of people with HIV, and training of health professionals working in hospitals on HAND are highly recommended.

scholarly journals Precancerous cervical lesion in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayele Semachew Kasa ◽  
Tadesse Dagget ◽  
Yeshiwork Beyene ◽  
Getnet Dessie ◽  
Aklilu Endalamaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cervical Lesion ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Cervical Lesions ◽  
Precancerous Cervical Lesion ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Precancerous Cervical Lesions

Abstract Background Though cervical cancer is largely preventable, it is still the second most common female cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer deaths among females in African. Though many efforts have been done to study the burden of the disease in Ethiopia, primary studies examining the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions are fragmented. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion and its trends in Ethiopia. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the following electronic databases. PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus (AIM), African Journals Online databases, and Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar Universities research repositories were searched following the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guideline. STATA 15 statistical software was used to analyze the data. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal tool for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 test statistics based on the random effects model. A random effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion in Ethiopia. Finally, the trend of precancerous cervical lesion in the country was presented. Result Seventeen studies with a total of 26,112 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion was 15.16 (95% CI 10.16–19.70). The subgroup analysis by region showed the highest prevalence of precancerous cervical lesion at the Southern Nations and Nationalities Peoples Region (19.65%; 95% CI 15.51–23.80). The trend of precancerous cervical lesion prevalence showed an increased pattern over time. Conclusion Approximately one among six of the study participants had precancerous cervical lesion. The trend also showed that there is still an increasing precancerous cervical lesion in Ethiopia. Best practices in achieving high vaccination coverage shall be informed by practices in other successful countries.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Depression among Diabetic Patients in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 2018

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henok Mulugeta Teshome ◽  
Getenet Dessie Ayalew ◽  
Fasil Wagnew Shiferaw ◽  
Cheru Tesema Leshargie ◽  
Dube Jara Boneya
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Comorbid Depression ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Depression is one of the major important public health problems that is often comorbid with diabetes. Despite the huge effect of comorbid depression and diabetes, the overall pooled prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in the country level remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among patients with diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia.Method. Data extraction was designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were accessed through electronic web-based search from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, and PsycINFO. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version 11 software using random effects model. The pooled prevalence was presented in forest plots.Results. A total of 9 studies with 2944 participants were included in this meta-analysis and the overall pooled estimated prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia was 39.73% (95% CI (28.02%, 51.45%)). According to subgroup analysis the estimated prevalence of depression in Addis Ababa was 52.9% (95% CI: 36.93%, 68.88%) and in Oromia region was 45.49% (95% CI: 41.94, 49.03%).Conclusion. The analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of comorbid depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia was high. Therefore, Ministry of Health should design multisectorial approach and context specific interventions that address this comorbid depression in this specific group as well as general population.

scholarly journals Stillbirth Among Patients With Diabetes in Pregnancy in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demeke Mesfin Belay ◽  
Wubet Alebachew Bayih ◽  
Abebaw Yeshambel Alemu ◽  
Amare Simegn Ayele ◽  
Demewoz Kefale Mekonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Maternal Age ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Maternal Diabetes ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Diabetic Mothers

Purpose: Maternal diabetes mellitus and the resulting adverse fetal outcomes including stillbirth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are high. Thus, setting specific evidence is pivotal to plan, evaluate, and improve national preventive measures and to achieve international sustainable development goals. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was the first of its kind to estimate the pooled prevalence of stillbirth and its determinants among diabetic mothers in Ethiopia.Methods: Primary studies were exhaustively searched using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases, and gray literature found in Addis Ababa and Haramaya University online repositories was accessed. Eligible studies were selected and critically appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist. The overall prevalence of stillbirth among diabetic mothers was estimated using a weighted inverse random-effect model. I2 statistic was used for evidence of heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plot were used to check the presence of publication bias.Results: The pooled prevalence of stillbirth among diabetic mothers was 2.39 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.20, 4.97]. Being a housewife [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.23], maternal age of <30 years [AOR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 3.13)], and gestational age of <37 completed weeks [AOR = 9.76 (95% CI: 7.83, 11.70)] increased the risk of stillbirth among diabetic mothers.Conclusions: The national pooled prevalence of stillbirth among diabetic mothers was 2.39%. Maternal age of <30 years, gestational age of <37 completed weeks, and being a housewife were significantly associated with stillbirth.Trial registration: PROSPERO 2020: CRD4202016774.

Global prevalence of amblyopia and disease burden projections through 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (8) ◽  
pp. 1164-1170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhujun Fu ◽  
Hao Hong ◽  
Zhicai Su ◽  
Bin Lou ◽  
Chen-Wei Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Population ◽  
Global Prevalence ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Public Health Strategies

PurposeAmblyopia is a leading cause of vision impairment among children and young adults. Individual studies showed significant variations in the prevalence of amblyopia in different regions and age groups. This study is to estimate the global prevalence of amblyopia by pooling its prevalence from the previous studies and to project the number of people affected through 2040.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of amblyopia using data published before 20 October 2018. We estimated the prevalence rate of amblyopia and its 95% CI globally and by subgroups (eg, region and age). The prevalence data were applied to United Nations World Population Prospects to derive the projected number with amblyopia through 2040.ResultsA meta-analysis of 60 studies (1 859 327 subjects) showed that the pooled prevalence rate of amblyopia was 1.44% (95% CI 1.17% to 1.78%). Prevalences in Europe (2.90%) and North America (2.41%) were higher than in Asia (1.09%) and Africa (0.72%). The highest prevalence was found in subjects over 20 years old (3.29%). There was no difference in the prevalence between genders. We estimated 99.2 (95% CI 71.7 to 146.1) million people with amblyopia in 2019 worldwide, increasing to 175.2 (95% CI 81.3 to 307.8) million by 2030 and 221.9 (95% CI 83.7 to 429.2) million by 2040.ConclusionsThe amblyopia is becoming a significant vision problem worldwide. It is of great importance to design and implement amblyopia screening, treatment and related public health strategies.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated factors of caesarean section in Ethiopia: systematic review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abebaw Gedef Azene ◽  
Abiba Mihret Aragaw
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Maternal Mortality ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
History Of ◽  
Delivery Place

Abstract Background Globally, maternal mortality is a serious public health concern. Caesarean section with reasonable medical indication reduces maternal mortality. In Ethiopia, a number of studies about prevalence and associated factors of C-section among mothers were conducted. The findings of these studies were inconsistently reported and more variable. Nationally, the prevalence of C-section isn’t estimated. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate pooled prevalence of C-section and its associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia. Methods International (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Google) and national (Ethiopian medical journal, Addis Ababa University Digital Library and Haramya University Digital Library) electronic databases were systematically searched from August 1 to October 1, 2019. All observational studies noted the prevalence of C-section and its associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia were included. Two authors (AG and AM) independently extracted all essential data using a standardized data extraction format. The extracted data were analyzed using STATA Version 14.1statistical software. We assessed heterogeneity among the included studies through the Cochrane Q test statistics and I 2 test. Lastly, a random effects meta-analysis model was fitted to estimate overall prevalence of C-section and its associated factors. Results Our search identified 573 studies amongst which 25 representing 53,381 participants were included for the final analysis stage. We found that the overall prevalence of C-section among mothers in Ethiopia was 29% (95%CI: 25, 32). Furthermore the subgroup analysis revealed that the highest pooled prevalence was observed in the Addis Ababa administrative city (35%) followed by Amhara (27%) and the smallest was observed in Oromia (25.6%). Mothers having a history of previous C-section (OR: 7.63, 95% CI: 3.29, 17.68) and delivery place (OR: 4.63, 95%CI: 2.06, 10.29) were statistically significant association with C-section. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of C-section among mothers was 29% in Ethiopia which are high. This finding is twice higher than WHO recommendation, which not beyond 15%. Mothers’ having history of previous C-section and delivery place was factors associated with C-section among mothers in Ethiopia. We recommend that the Minster of health should give intervention about C-section in a private institution.

scholarly journals Burden of Uterine Rupture and Its Determinant Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Dagne Addisu ◽  
Maru Mekie ◽  
Abenezer Melkie ◽  
Worku Necho
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Uterine Rupture ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Obstructed Labor ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Rural Residency

Background. Uterine rupture is a life-threatening obstetrical emergency, which results in serious undesired maternal and perinatal complications in resource-limited countries, mainly in Ethiopia. The prevalence, determinants, and outcomes of uterine rupture described by different studies were highly inconsistent in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence, determinants, and adverse outcomes of uterine rupture in Ethiopia. Methods. Studies were searched from international databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and web of science) and Ethiopian universities’ digital libraries (Addis Ababa University, University of Gondar, and Harameya University). All observational studies were included. A total of 15 studies that fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. Data were extracted by two reviewers and exported to STATA version 11 for analysis. The I 2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity across the studies. Publication bias was examined by using Egger’s test and funnel plot. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture and its outcomes were estimated by using a random effects model. The associations between determinants and uterine rupture were evaluated by using both random and fixed-effect models. Results. In this meta-analysis, a total of 15 studies with 92,394 study participants were involved. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 2.37% in Ethiopia. Obstructed labor ( OR = 3.03 ; 95 % CI = 2.52 , 3.63 ), lack of antenatal care follow-up ( OR = 5.79 ; 95 % CI = 2.47 , 13.61 ), duration of labor > 24 hours ( OR = 3.75 ; 95 % CI = 2.24 , 6.29 ), grand multipara ( OR = 10.79 ; 95 % CI = 4.77 , 24.40 ), and being rural residency ( OR = 7.17 ; 95 % CI = 3.90 , 13.16 ) were significantly associated with uterine rupture. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of uterine rupture was high in Ethiopia. Obstructed labor, lack of antenatal care follow-up, duration of labor > 24 hours, grand multipara, and rural residency were determinants of uterine rupture. This study implies the need to develop plans and policies to improve antenatal care follow-up and labor and delivery management at each level of the health system.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Depression among Epileptic Patients and its Association with Drug Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getenet Dessie ◽  
Henok Mulugeta ◽  
Cheru Tessema Leshargie ◽  
Fasil Wagnew ◽  
Sahai Burrowes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Epileptic Patients ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy

AbstractBackgroundDespite the high prevalence of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa and the established relationship between depression and epilepsy, the extent of comorbid epilepsy and depression in the region is still poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to address this gap in the literature by determining the pooled prevalence of depression among epileptic patients in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsA systematic desk review and electronic web-based search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the World Health Organization’s Hinari portal (which includes the SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online databases) identified peer-reviewed research studies and doctoral dissertations on the prevalence of depression among patients with epilepsy using pre-defined quality and inclusion criteria. Relevant data were extracted and descriptive summaries of the studies presented in tabular form. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity across studies. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of comorbidity at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s tests were used to check for publication bias. The final effect size was determined by applying a trim and fill analysis in a random-effects model.ResultsOur search identified 167 studies, of which 16 articles were eligible for inclusion the final analysis. The pooled estimate of prevalence of depression among patients with epilepsy was 32.71 (95% CI: 25.50 - 39.91). Regional sub-group analysis found that the pooled prevalence in East Africa was 34.52 (95% CI: 23.53 - 45.51) and 29.69 (95% CI: 22.7 - 36.68) in Southern and West Africa. The odds of depression among epileptic patients receiving polytherapy were 2.65 higher than in those receiving monotherapy (95% CI: 1.49 - 4.71, I2=79.1%, p < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicate high comorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa and suggests that it may be more prevalent there than elsewhere. Comorbidity is statistically associated with polytherapy. Given the high levels of epilepsy in the region, more attention should be paid to incorporating depression screening and treatment into existing epilepsy programs and to revising treatment guidelines on comorbid depression to reduce polytherapy.

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