Prevalence of eye diseases among prison inmates in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND

Eye diseases constitute a major public health challenge globally, with a disproportionate burden borne by populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Prison populations represent a uniquely vulnerable group characterized by restricted access to healthcare, overcrowding, poor nutrition, and high-risk environmental conditions - all of which substantially elevate the risk of eye diseases. Despite individual country-level reports documenting elevated rates of eye disease among incarcerated persons in SSA, no synthesis of the evidence has been conducted. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to consolidate existing evidence on the prevalence of eye diseases among prison inmates across SSA.

METHODS

The protocol has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines to ensure rigor, transparency, and reproducibility. We will search major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL (via EBSCO), PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, using controlled vocabularies without date or language restrictions. Risk of bias and study quality will be assessed using standard critical appraisal tools. The completed review will follow the PRISMA reporting checklist and where appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted to generate pooled estimates, with subgroup analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity and country-level variations.

DISCUSSION: Given the eye's role as a non-invasive window into systemic and overall health, findings from this review may inform evidence-based screening strategies and support policy reforms aimed at improving ocular and general health care in prison settings.

STUDY PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261389357, identifier (CRD420261389357).