Zahra Jaafari - Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Nasrin Sadidi - Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Zahra Abdolahinia - Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Armita Shahesmaeili - HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating center for HIV surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

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.

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