Noncommunicable disease behavioral risk factors in Sub Saharan Africa: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The most frequent risks of noncommunicable diseases include tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. In low-income countries, it is not fully understood how serious these risk factors are. To address the issue at the risk factor level, it is essential to produce evidence that aids in the development of policies and initiatives in the area. This review is aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of noncommunicable disease behavioral risk factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Studies published between 2016 and 2023 will be located using searches of the electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, and African Index Medicus as well as Google and Google Scholar. Two authors will independently review the records, and information will be taken from studies that present statistics on the prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical activity among people older than 18 years. Using the I2 and Q statistics, heterogeneity between studies will be evaluated, and it will be investigated using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. Random effects meta-analysis model will be used and subgroup analysis will be performed by country, study design, and study year. Discussion: The burden of noncommunicable disease risk factors varies throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa. The review will be essential for both research and policy. The finding may even help to identify settings or subgroups of the population where noncommunicable diseases is of higher concern and help to set prevention priorities, to optimize resource allocation, and guide future research to fill knowledge gaps. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023431348).