Meta-analysis of risk factors associated with suicidal ideation after stroke: A focus on Asian populations

Abstract Background Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid on post-stroke suicide (PSS), which is one of complications of stroke. The rates of stroke and suicide are relatively high, especially in Asian populations. Thus, a deeper understanding of the prevalence and epidemiological impact of suicide after stroke is urgently needed. Clinical diagnosis and prevention of PSS are at the incipient stage, but the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of PSS in different regions and stages of the disease remain largely unknown. The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence of PSS at different stages and time courses, and to identify the underlying risk factors for PSS. Methods We systematically searched the Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed,CNKI and Web of Science databases from their inception until April 2019. The research articles reporting on the risk factor for PSS were screened and included in the meta-analysis. The data from the included studies were extracted according to the predefined criteria. Results A total of 12 studies (n = 2693036) were included for meta-analyses. Of these studies, 7 reported suicide prevalence were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate of suicidal ideation rates after stroke was 12%, which could be influenced by multiple risk factors, including men, smoking, depression, sleep disorders, previous stroke and low household income. Studies conducted in Asia demonstrated higher suicide prevalence (approximately 15%) compared to other regions. Smoking, alcohol consumption, low family income, depression, heart disease and sleep disorders were the important risk factors for the pathogenesis of suicide after stroke. When compared to PSS more than one year, the incidence of suicide within one year after stroke was more likely to be statistically significant. It was found that 4 out of every 1,000 stroke survivors tended to commit suicide. The results of this meta-analysis showed that depression (OR = 2.32; p < 0.01) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration. Conclusion Despite some limitations, we successfully identified the prevalence of PSS in Asian populations and the underlying risk factors. Based on the results of this meta-analysis, 4 out of every 1,000 stroke survivors committed suicide and the individuals with suicidal ideation tended to suicide within one year after stroke. Notably, depression was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration. In addition, stroke survivors with low household income had nearly double the risk of suicidal ideation, especially in Asian populations. Hence, targeting the identified risk factors may be helpful to improve stroke patient care and prevent suicidal ideation after stroke.(Registration No. CRD42019128813).

Download Full-text

Meta-analysis of risk factors associated with suicidal ideation after stroke

Annals of General Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12991-021-00378-8 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shuangmei Zhang ◽

Anrong Wang ◽

Weifeng Zhu ◽

Zhaoyang Qiu ◽

Zhaoxu Zhang

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Sleep Disorders ◽

Family Income ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Future Research ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Complications Of Stroke

Abstract Background Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid on post stroke suicide (PSS), which is one of complications of stroke. The rates of stroke and suicide are relatively high, especially in Asian populations. Thus, a deeper understanding of the prevalence and epidemiological impact of suicide after stroke is urgently needed. Clinical diagnosis and prevention of PSS are at the incipient stage, but the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of PSS in different regions and stages of the disease remain largely unknown. The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence of PSS at different stages and time courses, and to identify the underlying risk factors for PSS. Methods We systematically searched the Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, CNKI and Web of Science databases from their inception until April 2019.The research articles reporting on the risk factor for PSS were screened and included in the meta-analysis. The data from the included studies were extracted according to the predefined criteria. Results A total of 12 studies (n = 2,693,036) were included for meta-analyses. Of these studies, 7 reporting suicide prevalence were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate of suicidal ideation rates after stroke was 12%, which could be influenced by multiple risk factors, including sex, smoking, depression, sleep disorders, previous stroke and low household income. Studies conducted in Asia demonstrated higher suicide prevalence (approximately 15%) compared to other regions. Smoking, low family income, depression, heart disease and sleep disorders were important risk factors for PSS. When compared to PSS of more than 1 year, the incidence of suicide within 1 year after stroke was more likely to be statistically significant. It was found that 4 out of every 1000 stroke survivors tended to commit suicide. The results of this meta-analysis showed that depression (OR = 2.32; p < 0.01) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration. Conclusion PSS is one of the common complications of stroke. Despite some limitations, we successfully identified the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation after stroke. Notably, depression was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration. Targeting this risk factor may be helpful to improve stroke patient care and prevent suicidal ideation after stroke. Future research will be carried out to assess whether suicidal ideation or thoughts and actual suicide attempts are strongly predictive of suicide deaths after stroke (Registration No. CRD42019128813).

Download Full-text

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour in patients with depression

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-019-2302-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Xiaofen Wang ◽

Sixiang Cheng ◽

Huilan Xu

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Attempt ◽

Sleep Disorders ◽

Suicidal Behaviour ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Depressed Patients ◽

Completed Suicide

Abstract Background The potential link between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour has been the subject of several reviews. We performed this meta-analysis to estimate the overall association between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour and to identify a more specific relationship in patients with depression. Methods A systematic search strategy was developed across the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 1, 2019 for studies that reported a relationship between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour in depressed patients. The odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to measure the outcomes. Heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran’s Q test and the I2 statistic. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was adopted to evaluate the methodological quality of each of the included studies, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence. We calculated the overall association between sleep disorders and suicidal behaviour and estimated more specific categories, including insomnia, nightmares, hypersomnia, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Results A total of 18 studies were included in this study. Overall, sleep disorders were closely related to suicidal behaviour in patients with depression (OR = 2.45 95% CI: 1.33 4.52). The relatively increased risks of sleep disorders with suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and completed suicide ranged from 1.24 (95% CI: 1.00 1.53) to 2.41 (95% CI: 1.45 4.02). Nightmares were found to be highly correlated with the risk of suicidal behaviour (OR = 4.47 95% CI: 2.00 9.97), followed by insomnia (OR = 2.29 95% CI: 1.69 3.10). The certainty of the evidence was rated as very low for the overall outcome and the major depression subgroup and was rated as low for the depression subgroup. Conclusions This meta-analysis supports the finding that sleep disorders, particularly nightmares and insomnia, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour in depressed patients. Considering that all included studies were observational, the quality of the evidence is rated as very low. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm our findings and to better explain the mechanisms by which sleep disorders aggravate suicidal behaviour in depressed patients.

Download Full-text

Burden of Malnutrition among Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy in Arabic-Speaking Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13093199 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 3199

Author(s):

Sami Mukhdari Mushta ◽

Israt Jahan ◽

Risad Sultana ◽

Sarah McIntyre ◽

Al-Mamoon Badahdah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Feeding Difficulties ◽

Children With Cerebral Palsy ◽

Arabic Speaking ◽

Underlying Risk

Background: We aimed to estimate the burden and underlying risk factors of malnutrition among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Arabic-speaking countries. Methods: OVID Medline, OVID Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases were searched up to 3 July 2021. Publications were reviewed to identify relevant papers following pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion. Data extraction was independently completed by two reviewers. Descriptive and pooled analysis has been reported. Results: From a total of 79 records screened, nine full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Study characteristics, anthropometric measurements used, and nutritional outcome reported varied between the studies. The included studies contained data of total 400 participants aged 1–18 years. Overall, (mean: 71.46%, 95% confidence interval: 55.52–85.04) of children with cerebral palsy had at least one form of malnutrition. Severe gross motor function limitation, feeding difficulties, cognitive impairment and inadequate energy intake were the commonly reported underlying risk factors for malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy. Conclusions: The burden of malnutrition is high among children with cerebral palsy in Arabic-speaking countries. More research is needed for better understanding of this public health issue in these countries.

Download Full-text

Rates and risk factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide deaths in persons with HIV: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037154 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e037154

Author(s):

Holly Wisnousky ◽

Nick Lazzara ◽

Matt Ciarletta ◽

Matt Pelton ◽

Vernon M Chinchilli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Risk ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Hiv Aids

IntroductionThe prevalence of HIV/AIDS is high and is associated with psychiatric morbidity and suicide risk. The objective of this study will be to assess the rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide deaths in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).Methods and analysisWe present a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the suicidality outcomes (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide deaths) in PLWHA. PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, OVID (HEALTH STAR), OVID (MEDLINE), Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Web of Science and PsychINFO databases will be searched from their inception until 1 January 2020. The primary outcome of interest will be the incidence of suicidality in PLWHA. In addition, we will delineate risk factors associated with suicidality in PLWHA. Citations, full-text articles and abstracts will be screened by four reviewers independently. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. Random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted if we find that the studies are very heterogenous. For the suicidality outcome, probability of suicide risk will be reported. Relative risk ratios (with 95% CIs) will be reported for the effects of the risk factors. Potential publication bias will be assessed by conducting Egger’s test and creating funnel plots. We will conduct additional analyses to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (eg, age, sex and geographical location).Ethics and disseminationNo ethics clearance is required as no primary data will be collected. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be presented at scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. The results may inform clinical management of PLWHA and may guide future population-specific interventions.We will search PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, OVID (HEALTH STAR), OVID (MEDLINE), Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Web of Science and PsychINFO from their inception until 1 January 2020.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020161501.

Download Full-text

Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291721001355 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Oswald D. Kothgassner ◽

Andreas Goreis ◽

Kealagh Robinson ◽

Mercedes M. Huscsava ◽

Christian Schmahl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Dialectical Behavior Therapy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adolescent Psychopathology ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Behaviour Therapy ◽

Clinical Consequences ◽

Self Harm

Abstract Background Given the widespread nature and clinical consequences of self-harm and suicidal ideation among adolescents, establishing the efficacy of developmentally appropriate treatments that reduce both self-harm and suicidal ideation in the context of broader adolescent psychopathology is critical. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) literature on treating self-injury in adolescents (12–19 years). We searched for eligible trials and treatment evaluations published prior to July 2020 in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials. Twenty-one studies were identified [five randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), three controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and 13 pre-post evaluations]. We extracted data for predefined primary (self-harm, suicidal ideation) and secondary outcomes (borderline personality symptoms; BPD) and calculated treatment effects for RCTs/CCTs and pre-post evaluations. This meta-analysis was pre-registered with OSF: osf.io/v83e7. Results Overall, the studies comprised 1673 adolescents. Compared to control groups, DBT-A showed small to moderate effects for reducing self-harm (g = −0.44; 95% CI −0.81 to −0.07) and suicidal ideation (g = −0.31, 95% CI −0.52 to −0.09). Pre-post evaluations suggested large effects for all outcomes (self-harm: g = −0.98, 95% CI −1.15 to −0.81; suicidal ideation: g = −1.16, 95% CI −1.51 to −0.80; BPD symptoms: g = −0.97, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.63). Conclusions DBT-A appears to be a valuable treatment in reducing both adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation. However, evidence that DBT-A reduces BPD symptoms was only found in pre-post evaluations.

Download Full-text

Incidence and risk factors of delirium after percutaneous coronary intervention in individuals hospitalised for acute myocardial infarction: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044564 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e044564

Author(s):

Kaizhuang Huang ◽

Jiaying Lu ◽

Yaoli Zhu ◽

Tao Cheng ◽

Dahao Du ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Coronary Intervention ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Percutaneous Coronary

IntroductionDelirium in the postoperative period is a wide-reaching problem that affects important clinical outcomes. The incidence and risk factors of delirium in individuals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been completely determined and no relevant systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence or risk factors exists. Hence, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain the incidence and risk factors of delirium among AMI patients undergoing PCI.Methods and analysesWe will undertake a comprehensive literature search among PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Google Scholar from their inception to the search date. Prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies that described the incidence or at least one risk factor of delirium will be eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome will be the incidence of postoperative delirium. The quality of included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool for prevalence studies and the Cochrane guidelines. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be assessed. Incidence and risk factors associated with delirium will be extracted. Incidence data will be pooled. Each risk factor reported in the included studies will be recorded together with its statistical significance; narrative and meta-analytical approaches will be employed. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Ethics and disseminationThis proposed systematic review and meta-analysis is based on published data, and thus there is no requirement for ethics approval. The study will provide an up to date and accurate incidence and risk factors of delirium after PCI among patients with AMI, which is necessary for future research in this area. The findings of this study will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020184388.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Relapse in Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Receiving Cyclophosphamide Induction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Large Observational Studies

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa667 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Peng He ◽

Jin-ping Hu ◽

Xiu-juan Tian ◽

Li-jie He ◽

Shi-ren Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Baseline Serum ◽

Anca Associated Vasculitis ◽

Hazard Ratios ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Cumulative Probabilities ◽

Relapse Rates

Abstract Background Clinical relapses are common in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). The aim of this systematic review was to estimate time-point prevalence and risk factors of relapse. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to March 30, 2020. Cohorts and post-hoc studies were included for the estimation of summary cumulative relapse rates (CRRs) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were also performed. Results Of the 42 eligible studies, 24 studies with 6236 participants were used for the pooled analyses of CRRs. The summary 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year CRRs were 0.12 (95% CI, 0.10–0.14), 0.33 (0.29–0.38), and 0.47 (0.42–0.52), respectively. In meta-regressions, the baseline age was positively associated with 1-year CRR. The proportion of granulomatosis with polyangiitis was positively associated with 5-year CRR. Twenty-eight studies with 5390 participants were used for the meta-analysis of risk factors for relapse, including a lower level of baseline serum creatine, proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA positivity at diagnosis, an ANCA rise, extrarenal organ involvement (including lung, cardiovascular, upper respiratory, and gastrointestinal involvement), intravenous (vs oral) cyclophosphamide induction, a shorter course of immunosuppressant maintenance, and maintenance with mycophenolate mofetil (vs azathioprine). Conclusions Our systematic review demonstrated that the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year cumulative probabilities of relapse were ∼12%, 33%, and 47% in AAV patients receiving cyclophosphamide induction, respectively. Early identification of risk factors for relapse is helpful to the risk stratification of patients so as to achieve personalized treatment.

Download Full-text

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

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10993-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sohail Akhtar ◽

Jamal Abdul Nasir ◽

Amara Javed ◽

Mariyam Saleem ◽

Sundas Sajjad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Population Based ◽

Included Study ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Or Education ◽

Meta Regression

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).

Download Full-text

Rates and risk factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide deaths in persons with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

General Psychiatry ◽

10.1136/gpsych-2020-100247 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. e100247

Author(s):

Matt Pelton ◽

Matt Ciarletta ◽

Holly Wisnousky ◽

Nicholas Lazzara ◽

Monica Manglani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

General Population ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Advanced Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Meta Regression ◽

Living With Hiv

BackgroundPeople living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) must contend with a significant burden of disease. However, current studies of this demographic have yielded wide variations in the incidence of suicidality (defined as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide deaths).AimsThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the lifetime incidence and prevalence of suicidality in PLWHA.MethodsPublications were identified from PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, OVID (MEDLINE), Joanna Briggs Institute EBP and Cochrane Library databases (from inception to before 1 February 2020). The search strategy included a combination of Medical Subject Headings associated with suicide and HIV. Researchers independently screened records, extracted outcome measures and assessed study quality. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore the associated risk factors and to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Main outcomes were lifetime incidence of suicide completion and lifetime incidence and prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.ResultsA total of 185 199 PLWHA were identified from 40 studies (12 cohorts, 27 cross-sectional and 1 nested case-control). The overall incidence of suicide completion in PLWHA was 10.2/1000 persons (95%CI: 4.5 to 23.1), translating to 100-fold higher suicide deaths than the global general population rate of 0.11/1000 persons. The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts was 158.3/1000 persons (95%CI: 106.9 to 228.2) and of suicidal ideation was 228.3/1000 persons (95%CI: 150.8 to 330.1). Meta-regression revealed that for every 10-percentage point increase in the proportion of people living with HIV with advanced disease (AIDS), the risk of suicide completion increased by 34 per 1000 persons. The quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations for the suicide deaths was graded as ‘moderate’ quality.ConclusionsThe risk of suicide death is 100-fold higher in people living with HIV than in the general population. Lifetime incidence of suicidal ideation and attempts are substantially high. Suicide risk assessments should be a priority in PLWHA, especially for those with more advanced disease.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 infection in Low and Middle-Income Countries and risk classification in the context of rolling out vaccine candidate across these countries : Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-578481/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Martin Ackah ◽

Louise Ameyaw ◽

Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽

Cynthia Osei Yeboah ◽

Nana Esi Wood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Vaccine Candidate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Research Database ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Low Middle Income Countries ◽

Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Seroprevalence of SARS Cov-2 provides a good indication of the extent of exposure and spread in the population, as well as those likely to benefit from a vaccine candidate. To date, there is no published or ongoing systematic review on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis will estimate SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence and the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in LMICs.Methods We will search PubMed, EMBASE, WHO COVID-19 Global research database, Google Scholar, the African Journals Online, LILAC, HINARI, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Cochrane Library for potentially useful studies on seroprevalence of COVID-19 in LMICs from December 2019 to December 2020 without language restriction. Two authors will independently screen all the articles, select studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and extract data using a pre-tested data extraction form. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the authors. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 for people from LMICs will be calculated. Random effects model will be used in case of substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, otherwise fixed-effect model will be used. A planned subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses will be performed. For comparative studies, the analyses will be performed using Review Manager v 5.4; otherwise, STATA 16 will be used. All effect estimates will be presented with their confidence intervals.Discussion The study will explore and systematically review empirical evidence on SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence in LMICs, and to assess the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in Low Middle Income Countries in the context of rolling out vaccines in these countries. Finally, explore risk classifications to help with the rolling out of vaccines in LMICs.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD422020221548).

Download Full-text