Prevalence and Associated Factors of Pterygium in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis, 2024

Background and aim Pterygium is one of the most prevalent pathologies involving the cornea, which can lead to various vision signs and even reduction in eyesight. No accurate estimate has been reported about the prevalence of pterygium in Africa. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of pterygium in Africa by meta-analysis method. Methods The report was presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analyses checklists. Twenty articles were searched using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and African Journal Online. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 17 for analysis. The data were analyzed using the random effects model. Heterogeneity of studies was assessed by Cochran’s Q test and I ² statistics. Publication bias was detected by funnel plot and statistical Egger’s test. Result In 20 studies conducted in Africa, with a sample size of 14,442 people between 2000 and 2024, the pooled prevalence of pterygium was 18% (95% CI 13% -23%) in Africa. In sub-group analysis, the pooled prevalence was higher in studies with publication year from 2020–2024 (22% (95% CI: 14–30, I²=95.91%, p-value = 0.00)) than from 2015–2019 (22% vs 19%) and from 2000–2012(22% vs 9%). Pooled prevalence were also higher in; sample size < 500 than 500–1000 (22% vs 12%) and > 1000(22% vs 12%), Community based than facility based study design (21% vs 16%). Older age (OR = 4.93; 95% CI; 2.70, 7.15), male gender (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.85, 2.23), use of traditional eye medication (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.68, 2.86), family history (OR = 4.93; 95% CI: 3.13, 6.72), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.82, 2.66) and outdoor work (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.81–3.76) were factors associated with pterygium among adults. Conclusions The prevalence of pterygium in Africa was high. Older age, family history, use of traditional eye medication, male sex, alcohol drinking and outdoor occupation were significantly associated with pterygium. The higher burden of pterygium across the country calls for efforts to warranting enhanced clinical and public health interventions.