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Kamp M, Achilonu O, Kisiangani I, Nderitu DM, Mpangase PT, Tadesse GA, Adetunji K, Iddi S, Speakman S, Hazelhurst S, Asiki G, Ramsay M. Multimorbidity in African ancestry populations: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013509. [PMID: 38084495 PMCID: PMC10711865 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multimorbidity (MM) is a growing concern linked to poor outcomes and higher healthcare costs. While most MM research targets European ancestry populations, the prevalence and patterns in African ancestry groups remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify and summarise the available literature on MM in populations with African ancestry, on the continent, and in the diaspora. DESIGN A scoping review was conducted in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and JSTOR) in July 2022. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria, with data extraction focusing on methodology and findings. Descriptive statistics summarised the data, and a narrative synthesis highlighted key themes. RESULTS Of the 232 publications on MM in African-ancestry groups from 2010 to June 2022-113 examined continental African populations, 100 the diaspora and 19 both. Findings revealed diverse MM patterns within and beyond continental Africa. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are predominant in both groups (80% continental and 70% diaspora). Infectious diseases featured more in continental studies (58% continental and 16% diaspora). Although many papers did not specifically address these features, as in previous studies, older age, being women and having a lower socioeconomic status were associated with a higher prevalence of MM, with important exceptions. Research gaps identified included limited data on African-ancestry individuals, inadequate representation, under-represented disease groups, non-standardised methodologies, the need for innovative data strategies, and insufficient translational research. CONCLUSION The growing global MM prevalence is mirrored in African-ancestry populations. Recognising the unique contexts of African-ancestry populations is essential when addressing the burden of MM. This review emphasises the need for additional research to guide and enhance healthcare approaches for African-ancestry populations, regardless of their geographic location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kamp
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Okechinyere Achilonu
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Isaac Kisiangani
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Maina Nderitu
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Phelelani Thokozani Mpangase
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Kayode Adetunji
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Samuel Iddi
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Scott Hazelhurst
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gershim Asiki
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), APHRC Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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