Chandra A, Debnath A, Nongkynrih B. Palliative Care Need in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Indian J Palliat Care 2023;
29:375-387. [PMID:
38058486 PMCID:
PMC10696344 DOI:
10.25259/ijpc_140_2023]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
To achieve sustainable development goal 3.8, countries must prioritise the provision of palliative care. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of palliative care needs in India.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted in databases of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host. We included community-based studies published in English between inception and April 30, 2023. We excluded hospital-based studies that were conducted solely including diseased patients. Data were extracted independently, and a quality assessment was performed. To estimate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI), we used the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I2 test. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the study site, urban-rural distribution, gender, and age groups. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger test. STATA software was used for data analysis.
Results
Out of the 2632 articles identified, 8 cross-sectional studies were included. Using the random-effects model, the pooled estimate of palliative care needs was found to be 6.21/1000 population (95% CI: 2.42-11.64). The southern region showed a prevalence of 10.83/1000 compared to 2.24/1000 in the northern region. Urban areas had a prevalence of 3.34/1000, while rural areas had a prevalence of 7.69/1000. Among females, the prevalence was 9.64/1000, compared to 6.77/1000 among males. Notably, individuals aged over 60 years had a higher prevalence of palliative care needs, with a rate of 37.86/1000 population.
Conclusion
This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight a substantial need for palliative care in India, with a prevalence of 6.21 individuals/1000 population.
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