Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene. It results in chronic pain, numerous complications, and a high rate of depression, all of which severely affect patients' quality of life, increase healthcare utilisation, and contribute to substance use disorders. Despite Nigeria having the highest global prevalence of SCD, there is a paucity of data on the overall prevalence of depression among people living with SCD (PLWSCD) in Nigeria.
This review aimed to determine the overall estimated prevalence of depression among SCD patients in Nigeria and compare its prevalence across different regions and geopolitical zones. It was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and guidelines. It focused exclusively on studies done in Nigeria, without restricting the timeframe or applying specific limitations on age stratification.
This review revealed significant methodological and geographical variations in the estimated prevalence of depression among SCD patients in Nigeria, with values ranging from 8.3% to 51.2% and a pooled average prevalence of 25.85%. The highest prevalence was observed in the North-western region (51.2%), while the South-eastern region had the lowest (8.3%). Studies using screening psychometric tools reported higher prevalence rates, whereas those employing structured diagnostic interviews provided more conservative estimates.
In conclusion, the review found depression to be a common mental disorder among SCD in Nigeria, with higher prevalence reported in the Northwestern regions, as well as in studies using less stringent screening tools compared to those employing structured diagnostic instruments.

Key words: Depression, Major depressive disorder, Nigeria, Prevalence, Sickle cell disease.