The Current State of Primary Clinical Spine Disease Research in Sub-Saharan Africa - A Scoping Review.
| Publication Type | Review |
| Authors | Wahle C, Diaz M, Oravic M, Kakulamarri S, Adejuyigbe B, Samuels C, Ikwuegbuenyi C, Sabas R, Wright D, Morshed S, El Naga A, Härtl R, Shabani H, Shearer D, Gendelberg D |
| Journal | Global Spine J |
| Pagination | 21925682261498667 |
| Date Published | 10/26/2026 |
| ISSN | 2192-5682 |
| Abstract | Study DesignScoping Review.ObjectiveSpine research is resource-intensive and thus often performed in high-income countries. Consequently, findings may not be generalizable to low-resource areas. This study aimed to assess the current state of primary clinical spine disease research in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsAll spine studies published in English or French in Sub-Saharan Africa in the past 50 years with at least ten patients were included. A study quality variable was created that identified randomized studies, prospective studies, and studies that include a control group as having a higher level of scientific rigor.ResultsA total of 154 spine studies have been published from at least 26 countries since 1975 (some included multiple). There was a significant increase in research productivity after 2005 (p<0.001). The highest number of publications came from Nigeria with 52 (34%), followed by Tanzania (25 papers, 16%) and Ethiopia (12 papers, 8%).Nearly half of studies involved collaborative partnerships. On univariate analysis, lower-income countries were more likely to engage in collaboration with other countries (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2-9.8) and to receive external funding (OR 7.0, 95% CI: 2.3-20.4). Further, collaborative studies were found to produce higher quality academic publication (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 0.94-4.2).ConclusionThere is a relative paucity of spine literature from Sub-Saharan Africa. Higher research quality was associated with collaborative engagement. These results support the development of global health partnerships that may foster high-quality research aimed at addressing the burden of spine disease in Africa. |
| DOI | 10.1177/21925682261498667 |
| PubMed ID | 42929197 |