Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on burden and determinants of BPH in Africa

<h2 id="background">Background</h2><ul><li>Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting the prostate gland, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).</li><li>Millions of men worldwide suffer from BPH, its frequency increases with age and poses a significant financial and health burden.</li><li>This growing health burden reveals the critical need for improved awareness, early diagnosis, and effective management strategies to reduce the impact of BPH on individuals and healthcare systems globally.</li></ul><h2 id="objective">Objective</h2><ul><li>To estimate the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and identify its determinants in Africa using a meta-analysis.</li></ul><h2 id="methods">Methods</h2><ul><li>The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.</li><li>Literature search included 13 studies from the following databases including, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and African Journals Online.</li><li>Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 17, pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model and heterogeneity assessed using Cochran's Q test and l2 statistic.</li></ul><h2 id="results">Results</h2><ul><li>This meta-analysis included 13 studies conducted in Africa between 2011 and 2024 with a total sample size of 5,619 participants.</li><li>Pooled prevalence of BPH in Africa is 44% (95% CI: 31%-57%).</li><li><strong>Subgroup analysis showed:</strong><ul><li>Higher prevalence in studies published between 2011-2018: 56%</li><li>Lower prevalence in studies published between 2019-2024:34%</li><li>Higher prevalence in studies with sample size &gt;500 compared to &lt;500: 45% vs. 41%</li></ul></li><li><strong>Factors significantly associated with BPH included:</strong><ul><li><strong>Family history of BPH (OR = 5.56):</strong><ul><li>Associations between family history of BPH and the incidence of BPH indicated that, patients who had a family history of BPH were 5.56 times more likely to develop BPH than their counterparts were.</li></ul></li></ul></li><li><strong>Difficulty in sexual activity (OR = 13.14):</strong><ul><li>Associations between a history of difficulty in sexual activity showed a positive association with the Occurrence of BPH.</li><li>These participants were 13.14 times more likely to develop BPH than their counterparts were (AOR = 13.14).</li></ul></li><li><strong>Inadequate sleep duration (OR = 2.90)</strong><ul><li>Associations between inadequate sleeping time showed increased incidence of BPH.</li><li>Study participants who have inadequate sleeping time are 2.90 times more likely to develop BPH than are participants who have adequate sleeping time.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Use of traditional eye medications (OR = 2.27)</strong></li><li><strong>Family history of prostate disease (OR = 4.93)</strong></li></ul><h2 id="conclusion" data-section="conclusion">Conclusion</h2><ul><li>The pooled prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) among adults in Africa was 44%.</li><li>Factors significantly associated with BPH included difficulty in sexual activity, family history of BPH and inadequate sleep duration.</li><li>The substantial burden of BPH across African countries underscores the need for greater attention from health policymakers.</li><li>Targeted strategies are required to address the growing impact of BPH on adult male health.</li><li><strong>Clinical Implications of the Analysis</strong><ul><li>Healthcare providers should implement screening programs for high-risk populations.</li><li>Early detection through screening may facilitate timely diagnosis and management of BPH.</li></ul></li></ul>

Urology Update 1   Issue 1   Jan 2026

<p><a href="#background">Background</a></p><p><a href="#objective">Objective</a></p><p><a href="#methods">Methods</a></p><p><a href="#results">Results</a></p><p><a href="#conclusion">Conclusion</a></p>

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on burden and determinants of BPH in Africa

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