Prevalence and associated factors of post-stroke depression in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Depressive disorder is considered the most frequent and burdensome mental health complication after stroke. Post-stroke depression is under-recognized in Africa and data remain scarce. These systematic reviews and meta-analyses were, therefore conducted to fill the gap.

An inclusive review of both published and unpublished articles was conducted. An initial search was conducted in PubMed, African Journal Online, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Google Scholar. Data were extracted using an Excel data format and the analysis was done using STATA version 14 statistical software. The heterogeneity of studies was determined using the Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 test statistics with forest plots. A random effects model was used to examine the pooled prevalence of post-stroke depression and subgroup analysis was conducted for those having significant heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also assessed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results were presented in narratives, tables and forest plots.

A total of 25 Articles with 3098 stroke patients from African countries were included to pool the prevalence of post-stroke depression in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of post-stroke depression in Africa at any time was 38.35% [95% CI, 34.07-42.63%]. The pooled estimate for post-stroke depression using clinical diagnostic tools was [38.53%, 95%CI: 34.07-42.63] and (36.81% [32.09-41.52%]) by rating scale. Subgroup analysis by region showed that Central Africa [50.92%, 95% CI: 45.94-55.90] had the highest pooled estimate of depression among stroke survivors with high heterogeneity (92.5%). Female gender, cognitive dysfunction and younger age were found associated in the primary studies but their pooled Odds ratio and overall effect were not significant in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of the Odds ratio of physical disability in Africa was 2.02[95% CI, 1.04-3.94] with no heterogeneity but the overall effect was significant (p = 0.038).

Post-stroke depression was relatively higher in Africa. Central Africa had the highest burden of post-stroke depression followed by West Africa. Physical disability was significantly associated with post-stroke depression in the current meta-analysis.