Burden of Depression and Associated Factors among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Fako Division, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Depression is a major public health challenge causing significant suffering and disability worldwide. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) suffer from various complications during their lifetime and are prone to depression. However, there is a paucity of information on depression and associated factors among sickle cell patients in Cameroon. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and associated factors among patients with SCD aged 7-40 years receiving care in three hospitals in Fako Division. Methods: We carried out a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study. Socio-demographic data, clinical variables and depressive symptoms were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Depression was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire Module 9 and the Children’s Depression Inventory. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis of data. Statistical significance was set at p value <0.05 while bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to test for associations. Results: We recruited 163 participants and the prevalence of depression was 43%(n=70), of which 30.67%(n=50) were mildly depressed and 12.27%(n=20) were moderately depressed. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 20%. On multivariate analysis, an unmarried status (AOR 7.41; 95%CI 1.74-31.54, P<0.007) high pain intensity (AOR 8.70; 95%CI 17.77-42.82, P<0.008) and history of painful crises within the previous month (AOR 7.31,95%CI 1.52-35.14, P<0.013) were associated with depression among these patients. Conclusion: Almost half of our patients with SCD are depressed, with 2 of them out of 10 thinking of suicide. Some socio-demographic and clinical factors induce this depressive state.