Prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among people with Tuberculosis in Ethiopia: meta-analysis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. Co-morbid depression among individual with TB is common public health concern that adversely affect the psychological well being of the patient. Thus, the aims of this study were to determine the magnitude of depression and its associated factors among people with TB in Ethiopia. Methods: Databases including: PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and HINARI were searched. Weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of depression. The heterogeneity between studies was measured by the index of heterogeneity (I2 statistics) test. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to determine publication bias. Sensitivity test and subgroup analysis were also performed to identify influential study and to account for heterogeneity. Results: In this study, a total of 6430individuals with TB were included from 15 studies. The pooled prevalence of depression was 46% (95% CI; 40% -53%). Tests of heterogeneity was significant (I2= 96.33% and p <0.001). However, funnel plots and Egger’s test showed no evidence of publication bias. Being female, low income, substance use, perceived stigma, extra-pulmonary TB and treatment phase were factors associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: In Ethiopia, around half of the TB patients had depressive symptoms. Thus, authors’ suggest the need of mental health screening for people with TB particularly for substance users and socioeconomic disadvantage TB patients. Authors’ also suggest the needs of improving awareness of TB.