Prevalence of depression among Iranian Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among Iranian patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major (BT). Domestic and international databases were searched for relevant articles up to June 2019. Cochran’s Q test and I2 index used to assess the heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence and their 95% confidence interval [95% CI] were calculated using metaprop commands in Stata 14. From 43 relevant studies, 18 eligible articles were included. The pooled prevalence of depression was 42% (95% CI: 33%-52%), the pooled prevalence of mild, moderate, severe and extreme severe depression was 16% [95% CI: 11% - 22%], 13% [95% CI: 9% - 18%], 13% [95% CI: 9% - 17%] and 3% [95% CI: 0% - 8%], respectively. According to high prevalence of depression in Iranian patients with BT prevention and treatment programs are recommended.

Keywords:

Depression , Beta-Thalassemia Major , Iran , Meta-analysis