Abnormal lipid profile and its associated factors among chronically ill patients in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abnormal lipid profiles are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases and represent a growing public health concern influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic factors. In Ethiopia, where chronic illnesses are increasingly prevalent, dyslipidemia poses a significant health burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of abnormal lipid profiles and identify associated risk factors among chronically ill patients in Ethiopia. Relevant studies were systematically retrieved from multiple databases, and data were extracted and analyzed using STATA/MP 17.0. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was employed to compute the pooled estimates. The analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of abnormal lipid profiles of 54.14%, with the highest burden found among diabetic patients (75.75%) and in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region (69.28%). The likelihood of abnormal lipid profiles was significantly higher among females, individuals older than 40 years, and those with hypertension. These findings highlight the urgent need for routine lipid screening and targeted interventions for high-risk populations to address the rising burden of dyslipidemia among chronically ill patients in Ethiopia.