TITLE:
Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AUTHORS:
Misheck Chileshe, Fredrick Imanga, Annie Chibwe Zulu, Eustarckio Kazonga
KEYWORDS:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Predictors, Sub-Saharan Africa
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.15 No.2,
May
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus remains a public health issue linked to various complications during pregnancy or at birth for both the mother and the child, with these complications potentially being short-term or long-term. This study aimed to estimate the current prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in sub-Saharan Africa, along with its associated risk factors and outcomes. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and Cochrane Library were searched for full-text articles. A total of 29 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Data were extracted into a pre-designed Excel sheet and exported to STATA 14.2 for statistical analysis. Pooled prevalence, risk ratios, and odds ratios are presented with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results: The pooled prevalence of GDM in SSA was 12.63% (95% CI: 9.66, 15.92). Maternal age ≥ 35 years, overweight/obesity, urban residence, a history of unexplained stillbirth, a history of a macrosomic baby, a previous history of GDM, a family history of diabetes mellitus, multigravida status, and a history of abortion were all significant predictors of GDM. Foetal macrosomia (RR: 5.16, 95% CI: 3.41, 7.81), CS delivery (RR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.68, 2.32), pre-eclampsia (RR: 2.76, 95% CI: 2.08, 3.66), and postpartum haemorrhage (RR: 3.34, 95% CI: 2.13, 5.25) were significant outcomes of GDM. Conclusion: GDM poses a significant burden in SSA, and key risk factors for the disease have been identified. Individual countries must continue to monitor the prevalence of GDM and its associated complications.