Epidemiology of depression in schizophrenia patients living in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Various comorbid conditions can worsen the morbidity and mortality of schizophrenia, this is case for depression, especially through suicidal behaviors cardiometabolic impairments. There a scarcity summarizing data on depressive symptoms disorders among schizophrenia patients living in Africa. Objectives The aim meta-analytic review was to estimate prevalence depression people with Methods We systematically searched relevant articles published from inception July 05, 2022, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, African Journals Online. appraised risk bias using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist studies reporting data, estimated pooled random-effects model. performed meta-regression subgroup analyses assess potential mediators our estimates. based report findings Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews Meta-analyses guidelines (2020). registered protocol PROSPERO (CRD42022315717). Results From 791 initial records, 10 were finally included qualitative quantitative syntheses (Figure 1). These encompassed 2265 (male-to-female ratio = 1.94), conducted between 2001 2019, Egypt (n 1/10), Ethiopia 4/10), Morocco Nigeria South Africa 2/10), Tunisia 1/10). mean age participants ranged 33.8 49.2 years, most used tool Calgary Depression Scale Schizophrenia 4/10). rate 23.93% (95% CI: 19.43% – 28.73%), substantial heterogeneity ( I ² 84%). significantly varied according screening used. frequencies Northern Sub-Saharan respectively 31.9% 24.8% 39.5%) 21.1% 16.7% 25.9%), significant difference these subgroups 2). A higher associated lower percentage high education levels. Among 250), 46.04% 30.07% 62.42%) reported past or current suicide behaviors. low three studies, moderate two five studies. certainty very low, we found no publication bias. Image: Image 2: Conclusions Approximately one every four positively screened depression. This draws health professionals’ attention caring calls further harmonization tool, better representativity some subregions, assessment key factors such as perceived stigma self-stigma. Disclosure Interest None Declared