OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Ethiopia.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Age 15 and above all patients with diabetes with the diagnosis of DKA in Ethiopia DATA SOURCE: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, HINARI, Google Scholar and grey literatures were accessed to find relevant articles. Studies that have been conducted and reported in English language, articles with an available full-text, and observational studies were included. The task of searching sources was carried out from all stated electronic databases performed during 15 April-29 April 2023.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Eligible studies were critically appraised by three independent reviewers for methodological quality in the review using standardised critical appraisal instruments from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for observational studies. After the finally extracted studies were exported, systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (JBI SUMARI) (JBI, Adelaide, Australia) and STATA V.17 software. Sensitivity tests were done, and funnel plot inspections with Egger's test were used to check for publication bias.

RESULT

From a total of 19 studies with 6498 study participants, the pooled prevalence of DKA among patients with DM in Ethiopia was 30.92% (95% CI 29.96 to 31.89) with a significant statistical heterogeneity (I=99.2, p=<0.001). Sensitivity analysis suggested that three studies showed deviations from the estimated pooled prevalence. A funnel plot inspection and Egger's test indicated the absence of a publication bias.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of DKA among patients with DM in Ethiopia was 30.92%. Besides, different behavioural and clinical determinants of DKA among patients with DM were identified. However, further studies should be conducted, particularly on the possible determinants of DKA, and different stakeholders should be engaged to minimise its burden.