Prevalence and risk factors of non-communicable diseases in indigenous populations of South Asia: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Theobjective of this review is to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of non-communicable diseases among the adult indigenous populations of South Asia. Introduction: Indigenous communities in South Asia have undergone a rapid epidemiologic transformation with non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) currently accounting for around 60% of all deaths with ischemic heart disease, stroke and diabetes being the leading causes. Studies have also reported an increase in the prevalence of NCD in indigenous populations. Inclusion criteria: Conditions included in this review are hypertension, stroke, oral diseases, mental health, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers (Head and neck cancers, Lung Cancer, Liver Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Breast Cancer), eye diseases, Chronic Kidney Disease, Leukemia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Liver Cirrhosis, Ischemic Heart Disease, Hypertensive Heart Disease, Cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, neoplasms and skin diseases in adults (above 18 year)s from the indigenous populations in South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Outcomes will include studies estimating the prevalence and incidence of the conditions mentioned above. Risk factors will include conditions that maybe be associated with pre-existing condition and outcomes as defined by guidelines from Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies of Etiology (COSMOS-E). Methods: PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Shodhganga, and gray literature will be searched for relevant studies published, since inception. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles/abstracts and full texts using JBI SUMARI software, and any disagreements will be managed in discussion with a third reviewer. Included studies will be critically appraised for quality and eligibility and data extracted accordingly. If possible, pooled prevalence for prevalence and pooled OR/RR for determinants will be conducted, and heterogeneity will be tested. Subgroup analyses for country, age, sex and NCD type will be conducted based on available data. The characteristics and results of included studies will be summarized using tables, supplemented by a narrative summary. Registration No: PROSPERO CRD42022331898