Effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain in people with autoimmune diseases in Africa: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

TL;DR

This study will review non-drug treatments for chronic pain in autoimmune disease patients in Africa to find safer and more effective options.

Contribution

The study addresses the lack of evidence on non-pharmacological pain therapies specifically for African patients with autoimmune diseases.

Findings

The review will use a systematic approach to evaluate non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain in African autoimmune disease patients.

It aims to improve evidence-based decision-making for pain management in this population.

The study will use a random-effects meta-analysis to assess treatment effectiveness and heterogeneity.

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases affect 5–10% of the global population and cause chronic pain and impaired functionality. Chronic pain management involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, with non-pharmacological options gaining attention as safe, effective, and cost-effective alternatives. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these therapies in African patients with autoimmune diseases, as existing evidence varies.

This review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42023449896). Electronic databases (PubMed, Africa Index Medicus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) will be used for searching published articles. The study will use R for data synthesis, employing a random-effects meta-analysis approach to calculate pooled effect sizes, assess heterogeneity using the I2 statistic, and evaluate publication bias. In conclusion, this protocol aims to fill the knowledge gap on non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain in patients with autoimmune diseases in Africa. It will potentially enhance evidence-based decision-making to improve pain management and, hence, the quality of life of people with autoimmune diseases in Africa.