A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiovascular diseases and associated factors among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent complication and the leading cause of death and disability among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Over time, diabetes-related cardiovascular disease has become more common worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the cumulative prevalence of cardiovascular disease and associated factors among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its associated factors among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This review was searched using PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar search engines, and was accessed using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for studies based in Ethiopia. Excel was used to extract the data. With a random-effects model, STATA Version 14 was used for all statistical analyses. The studies' heterogeneity and funnel plot were both examined. The study domain and authors' names were used in the subgroup analysis. RESULTS: In this systematic review, 12 studies totaling 2,953 participants were included. The estimated overall prevalence of cardiovascular disease among diabetic patients in Ethiopia was 37.26% (95% CI: 21.05, 53.47, I(2) = 99.3%, P ≤ 0.001). Study participants’ age older than 60 years (AOR = 4.74, 95%CI: 1.05, 8.43), BMI > 24.9kg/m(2) (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.33, 5.92), triglyceride > 200mg/dl (AOR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.83), Hypertension (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.43) and duration of DM > 4 years (AOR = 5.49, 95% CI: 3.27, 7.70) were significantly associated with cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, diabetic patients face a serious public health risk from cardiovascular disease. This review found the following factors, which is independent predictors of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients: age over 60, BMI > 24.9kg/m(2), triglycerides > 200 mg/dl, hypertension, and diabetes duration > 4 years. The results emphasize the need for a prospective study design with a longer follow-up period to assess the long-term effects of CVD predictors in diabetic patients as well as the significance of paying attention to cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients with comorbidity. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-023-03443-0.