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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Sohail Akhtar, Jamal Abdul Nasir, Amara Javed, Mariyam Saleem, Sundas Sajjad, Momna Khan, Abdul Wadood, Khwaja Saeed

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The aim of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors in Afghanistan through a systematic review and meta–analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library, carried out from inception to April 312,020, without language restriction. Meta–analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse variance weighting. The existence of publication bias was initially assessed by visual inspection of a funnel plot and then tested by the Egger regression test. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. This systematic review was reported by following the PRISMA guidelines and the methodological quality of each included study was evaluated using the STROBE guidelines.

Results

Out of 64 potentially relevant studies, only 06 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of diabetes in the general population based on population-based studies were 12.13% (95% CI: 8.86–16.24%), based on a pooled sample of 7071 individuals. Results of univariate meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of diabetes increased with mean age, hypertension and obesity. There was no significant association between sex (male vs female), smoking, the methodological quality of included articles or education (illiterate vs literate) and the prevalence of diabetes.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis reports the 12.13% prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan,with the highest prevalence in Kandahar and the lowest in Balkh province. The main risk factors include increasing age, obesity and hypertension. Community-based care and preventive training programmes are recommended.

Trial registration

This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020172624).

Available only for authorised users

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Title: The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sohail Akhtar
Jamal Abdul Nasir
Amara Javed
Mariyam Saleem
Sundas Sajjad
Momna Khan
Abdul Wadood
Khwaja Saeed
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10993-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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