Psychosocial burden of diabetes in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Michelle Danny Stampley Boakye1, Eric Peprah Osei2, Samuel Akyirem3
1University of Massachusetts Boston, USA.
Abstract:
This review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the extent of the psychosocial burden among persons with diabetes (PWD) in Africa. A total of 83 relevant articles published between 2000 and 2024 which reported on the psychosocial burden of diabetes (depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, or mental quality of life) were identified through electronic searches in Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and African Journals Online. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, moderate-to-high diabetes distress, and low mental quality of life were 43.3% (95% CI: 37.7-49.1, n = 34 studies), 38.8% (95% CI: 27.4-51.5, n = 12 studies), 48.8% (95% CI: 34.2-63.6, n = 8 studies), and 43.9% (95% CI: 35.6-52.6, n = 8 studies) respectively. These findings emphasize the substantial psychosocial burden faced by PWD in Africa and the need for integrating mental health into diabetes care in the region.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...


