Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
Polycystic ovary syndrome research in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review on current status and future directions
By Hatoum S, Amiri M, Makwe CC and 2 others.
Abstract
Objectives
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting women. The status of PCOS research in sub-Saharan Africa is unknown, where non-communicable diseases are prevalent but often underrecognized. To assess current knowledge about PCOS in sub-Saharan Africa and identify gaps in the literature.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and African Journals Online through 9 August 2026 to identify original studies on PCOS in sub-Saharan Africa. Original research studies involving sub-Saharan African populations, without age-related constraints, were eligible. We excluded non-original studies and studies that did not focus on PCOS. Three independent reviewers (S.H., M.A., and C.C.M.) performed the searches.