Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Contributing Factors among Cancer Patients in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Introduction: Cancer poses a significant burden in Africa, where limited resources and infrastructure compound the challenges of managing the disease. Undernutrition, a critical concern among cancer patients, can profoundly affect treatment outcomes and overall prognosis. Despite its importance, the prevalence of undernutrition among African cancer patients remains poorly understood.

Methods: Five major databases were searched for observational studies that reported the prevalence of undernutrition, from inception till February 2024. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by at least two independent reviewers. The NIH criteria for observational studies were used for quality assessment. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the overall undernutrition prevalence, with subgroup analyses conducted based on country and population characteristics.

Results: Twenty-four studies involving 4,283 participants met the inclusion criteria and most studies included children (41%), followed by adults (37%) and women (19%). The overall undernutrition prevalence among African cancer patients was estimated at 32.8% (95% CI, 25.1%, 41.67%) with substantial heterogeneity observed (I2 = 95.4%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant variations in prevalence across countries and population groups.

Conclusion: Undernutrition is a serious issue among African cancer patients and requires an urgent response with targeted interventions. Tailored nutritional support strategies, considering demographic and regional contexts, are essential for improving patient outcomes.