Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental health problems co morbid with tuberculosis. However, there has thus far not been a systematic review and meta-analysis that estimates the pooled prevalence of depression amongst patients with tuberculosis in East Africa.

Objective: This study intended to investigate the magnitude of depression among tuberculosis patients in East Africa.

Methods: Studies were found through HINARI, SCOPUS, PubMe, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Appraisal Checklist was used. Data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and heterogeneity between the studies was examined using the I² heterogeneity test. Then, the random-effect model was applied. Finally, the presence of publication bias was evaluated by using Egger's test and visual inspection of the symmetry in funnel plots.

Results: A total of 409 studies were accessed, with a population of 2838. However, only 29 qualified for a full text review and 9 studies were included in the qualitative description and quantitative analysis of the prevalence of depression amongst TB patients. The pooled prevalence estimate of depression amongst tuberculosis patients was 43.03 %( 34.93, 51.13). The highest prevalence was observed in Kenya, with 45.71% (29.26, 62.16); a similar rate was observed in Ethiopia, with 45.11 % (34.60, 55.62). Subgroup analysis based on screening tool was used: 45.71% with BDI and 41.53% with PHQ.

Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients was found to be high. Therefore, screening for and integrating mental health strategies are recommended.