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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Jun 25;19(6):e0304043.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304043. eCollection 2024.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and associated factors of depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia

Worku Chekol Tassew  1 , Getanew Kegnie Nigate  2 , Getaw Wubie Assefa  3 , Agerie Mengistie Zeleke  4 , Yeshiwas Ayal Ferede  2
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and associated factors of depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia

Worku Chekol Tassew et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Identifying individuals at increased risk for depression allows for earlier intervention and treatment, ultimately leading to better outcomes and potentially preventing severe symptoms. However, to date, no systematic reviews or meta-analyses have estimated the prevalence of depression among hypertensive patients. Thus, this review was initiated to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression among patients with hypertension in Ethiopia.

Methods: Multiple databases, such as PubMed, African Journals Online, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were used to ensure wider coverage of relevant studies. The data extracted from Microsoft Excel were imported into STATA version 11 (Stata Corp LLC, TX, USA) for further analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression was estimated using a random effects model. To evaluate statistical heterogeneity, the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistic were used.

Results: The random effect model indicated that the pooled prevalence of depression in 12 studies conducted in Ethiopia was 32.43% (95% CI: 25.18, 39.67%). Being female (POR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.89, 3.07, I2 = 17.7%, P = 0.302), having comorbid illnesses (POR = 3.80; 95% CI: 2.09, 6.90, I2 = 81%, P = 0.005), having poor blood pressure control (POR = 3.58; 95% CI: 2.51, 5.12, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.716), having a family history of depression (POR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.98, 5.96, I2 = 62.6%, P = 0.069), being single (POR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.35, 3.99, I2 = 48.0%, P = 0.146) and having poor social support (POR = 4.24; 95% CI: 1.29, 13.98, I2 = 95.8%, P<0.001) were positively associated with depression among hypertensive patients.

Conclusion: Overall, the results of our review showed that depression affects a significant number of Ethiopians who have hypertension. Being female, being single, having comorbidities, having poor blood pressure control, having a family history of depression, and having poor social support were factors associated with depression among patients with hypertension. For those who are depressed, improving the psycho-behavioral treatment linkage with the psychiatric unit can result in improved clinical outcomes.

Trial registration: Prospero Registration number: CRD42024498447. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024498447.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. PRISMA flow diagram for a systematic review and meta-analysis of depression and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Forest plot for the meta-analysis of depression among hypertensive patients (n = 12).
Fig 3
Fig 3. Sensitivity analysis of studies included in the meta-analysis.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Subgroup analysis (by region) of studies included in the meta-analysis on depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Funnel plot testing publication bias (random, N = 12).
Fig 6
Fig 6. Forest plot for the association between female sex and depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.
Fig 7
Fig 7. Forest plot for the association between comorbid illnesses and depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.
Fig 8
Fig 8. Forest plot for the association between family history of depression and depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.
Fig 9
Fig 9. Forest plot for the association between poor social support and depression among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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