Prevalence and social determinants of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety and depression pose a significant global health challenge, especially affecting adults in low-income and middle-income countries. In many low-income and middle-income countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, social determinants such as access to affordable health services, conflict, food insecurity, and poverty may be associated with the prevalence of anxiety and depression, further contributing to health disparities. To mitigate the burden of anxiety and depression in sub-Saharan Africa, it is essential to develop country-level tailored mental health policies and strategies. For example, Ghana is working towards improving mental health via its 12 year Mental Health policy launched in 2021. However, the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana, along with associated social determinants remains largely unknown, posing challenges for mental health planning, resource allocation and developing targeted interventions. This systematic review seeks to (1) examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana and (2) explore social determinants potentially associated with anxiety and depression.

Methods and analysis: Electronic databases (eg, African Index Medicus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) will be searched with all screening steps conducted by two independent reviewers. Secondary search strategies, including grey literature searches, will be used. Studies reporting on the prevalence of anxiety, depression and/or a combined symptom measure (ie, psychological distress) among adults in Ghana, using validated instruments will be included. If data allows, random-effects-meta-analyses will be performed to estimate pooled prevalence rates of anxiety and depression. Potential clinical and methodological moderators will be examined using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. A narrative synthesis will explore social determinants potentially associated with anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required as no primary data will be collected. Results will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed publication and presentations at academic conferences. Plain language summaries will be provided to relevant non-governmental organisations working in Ghana.

Prospero registration number: CRD42023463078.

Keywords: Adult psychiatry; EPIDEMIOLOGY; MENTAL HEALTH; PUBLIC HEALTH; Systematic Review.