Diabetic retinopathy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims: this systemic review and meta-analysis was aimed at determining the level of diabetic retinopathy among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia.

Materials and methods: PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) were searched. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using STATA version 11. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot and more objectively through Egger's regression test, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate potential publication bias. Heterogeneity of studies was checked using the I² test. Pooled analysis was conducted. Subgroup analysis was done by region. Sensitivity analysis was employed to see the effect of single study on the overall estimation. STATA version 11 statistical software was used for meta-analysis.

Results: The overall prevalence of retinopathy was 19.48% (95% CI: 15.95, 23.01) Based on the subgroup analysis the prevalence of retinopathy was 12.48% in SNNPR, 24.8% in Oromia, 19.99% in Amhara, and 16.29% in Addis Ababa.

Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among Diabetes mellitus patients is high. Therefore, close monitoring of the patient prognosis and appropriate prevention techniques is essential.

Keywords: Complication; Diabetes mellitus; Retinopathy.