Prevalence and associated factors of depression among persons with Tuberculosis in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Tuberculosis remains a significant global public health challenge, with the African region accounting for one-quarter of global incident cases. In Ghana, TB prevalence reaches 356 cases per 100,000 population. Depression is prevalent among persons with tuberculosis, potentially worsening treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of depression among persons with TB in Ghana.

A cross-sectional study was conducted across 20 randomly selected healthcare facilities providing TB care in eight administrative regions of Ghana. The study included 1,103 participants aged 18 years and older. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with depression defined as a score ≥5. Data collection utilized systematic random sampling and a structured questionnaire implemented through the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard error was used for statistical analysis with STATA version 17.

The study revealed a depression prevalence of 40.98% among PWTB. Among the predictors of depression, Females had a 28% higher likelihood of depression (Adjusted Relative Risk = 1.28 [1.06-1.56]). Participants with poor health had 2.19 times higher depression risk (Adjusted Relative Risk = 2.19[1.64-2.92]). Additionally, stigmatized participants showed 52% higher depression risk (Adjusted Relative Risk = 1.52 [1.22-1.89]).

The high prevalence of depression among TB patients in Ghana underscores the need for integrated mental health services in TB care. The study highlights the importance of addressing factors such as gender, health status, and stigma to improve mental health outcomes for persons with tuberculosis.