African Representation in Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Leading Medical and Cardiovascular Journals, 2019-2024 - PubMed
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- #Randomized Controlled Trials
- #Medical Journals
- #African representation
- African countries are underrepresented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in leading medical and cardiovascular journals from 2019 to 2024.
- Only 3.9% of RCTs in general medical journals and 0.6% in CV journals were conducted exclusively in Africa.
- South Africa accounted for the majority of Africa-based RCTs, with southern Africa predominating and central Africa minimally represented.
- Africa-only trials in general medical journals largely focused on infectious diseases (75.9%), with only 3 addressing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- African leadership was common in Africa-only trials but rare in multicontinental studies.
- The study highlights the need for expanding African participation in global trials, investing in local research capacity, and promoting equitable leadership.