Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of oral cancer in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is ranked among the ten most common cancers in the world and is a growing public health concern in Nigeria. However, the extent of the burden of oral cancer in Nigeria is poorly understood. A better understanding of the prevalence of oral cancer will inform the development and implementation of efficient and effective oral cancer prevention and management strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral cancer in Nigeria to guide relevant oral health interventions and policies. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science for studies published from 1990 until August 15, 2023. We included cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, descriptive, and interventional studies that reported prevalence data for oral cancer in Nigeria. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of oral cancer. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model. The Higgins inconsistency index -I2 index was used to evaluate heterogeneity. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: In total, 3025 articles were screened, and data from 7 studies with a total sample size of 9188 (1702 oral cancer cases) were included in the meta-analysis. Participants age ranged from 0 to 100 years. Oral cancer prevalence varied across the studies, ranging from 7.5% to 41%. The pooled prevalence of oral cancer in Nigeria was 20% (95% confidence interval, CI:0.11–0.28, I2 = 99%, P < 0.0001). An estimate of the total variation between studies revealed substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99%). The prevalence rate differed between gender populations, with more predilection to males (11%) than females (7%). Conclusions: The current analysis indicates an overall pooled oral cancer prevalence of 20% in Nigeria. The high burden of oral cancer in Nigeria highlights a need for public health interventions and policies to promote the prevention and early detection of oral cancer. The analysis also shows a higher prevalence of oral cancer among men. Population-based studies are necessary to better understand individual differences in oral cancer.