COPD in Africa: risk factors, hospitalisation, readmission and associated outcomes-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study not only highlights specific risk factors for COPD risk in Africa but also demonstrates the paucity and absence of research in several countries in a continent with substantial COPD-related mortality. Our findings contribute towards the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines for COPD in Africa.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020210581.