Polycystic ovary syndrome research in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review on current status and future directions.
Sana Hatoum, Mina Amiri, Christian Chigozie Makwe et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed original research on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in sub-Saharan African populations, searching four databases through 9 August 2026. Of 1973 records retrieved, 40 studies were included, predominantly from Nigeria. Most were observational and examined PCOS in the context of infertility. No population-based prevalence studies were identified, although 13 studies reported prevalence, mostly in clinically selected populations. The review describes substantial gaps in epidemiology, diagnosis, phenotype, management, and metabolic outcomes, and calls for larger, well-designed studies to clarify disease burden and inform care.
Key findings
- The review included 40 studies from sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly from Nigeria.
- No population-based PCOS prevalence studies were identified; 13 studies reported prevalence, mostly in clinically selected populations.
- Most included studies were observational and focused on PCOS in the context of infertility.
Why it matters
The evidence base described by this review offers limited insight into PCOS burden across the region because population-based prevalence data are absent and much of the research concerns clinically selected groups. Gaps in diagnostic practices, phenotype distribution, management, and metabolic outcomes constrain understanding of the condition and the evidence available to inform regional clinical guidance.
What to keep in mind
The review found that the available literature was predominantly observational, often focused on infertility, and lacked population-based prevalence studies.