Depression in children suffering from sickle cell anemia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Child Psychiatry
• Global Health

Background:

• Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a chronic condition with significant nonmedical complications.
• The prevalence and characteristics of depression in Congolese children with SCA remain largely undocumented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of depression among children aged 8–17 years with SCA in Kinshasa, DRC.
• To describe the clinical profile and common symptoms of depression in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 81 children (43 girls, 38 boys) aged 8–17 years attending two referral centers in Kinshasa.
• Participants were assessed using a semi-structured interview and the Multiscore Depression Inventory for Children (MDI-C).
• Data were analyzed for prevalence, symptom patterns, and severity, stratified by age and sex.

Main Results:

• Depression symptoms were observed in 70 (86.4%) children, with severe depression in 6 (8.6%).
• Most common symptoms included social introversion (81.5%), defiance (77.8%), helplessness (76.5%), and sad mood (70.4%).
• Suicidal ideation was reported by 19 (23.5%) of those with depression.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of depression in Congolese children with SCA is notably high compared to Western countries.
• Findings underscore the urgent need for psychological interventions to complement existing medical treatments for SCA.
• This study provides critical data for developing targeted mental health support in resource-limited settings.