Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available data on rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia to provide a true figure on the prevalence and distribution of the disease. METHODS: Different articles were selected using search terms by different search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholars, and ScienceDirect and also by obtaining hard copies of locally published articles. The search for original research articles was conducted from December 1 to December 30, 2022. Finally, the priority reporting items of the systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines were used for the literature search strategy, publication selection, data extraction, and reporting of review results. Data quality was checked by the author for similarity of study design and inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of sixteen original research articles were included. Nine included articles were from different cardiac patients and seven of the included articles were from children and asymptomatic population. All research papers were summarized in the table clearly with the key information and findings. The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in cardiac patients from nine included studies was 49.04 (−30.84, 128.92) whereas the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in children and asymptomatic participants from seven study included was 2.70 (−1181.99, 1187.39) or 27/1000. CONCLUSIONS: This review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia is very high in cardiac patients, children, and the asymptomatic population. Therefore, well-designed and evidence-based national prevention and treatment strategies must be in place to prevent the disease and provide timely treatment for patients.