META-ANALYSIS: RATE OF DEPRESSION IN INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM HEPATITIS C VIRUS HCV FROM PAKISTAN.

JPUMHS;2024:14:04,196-205. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2024/14.04.579

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, HCV has emerged as an important public issue, with millions
afflicted and suffering from numerous physical and mental health problems. Out of all
psychiatric disorders, depression is one of the most widely diagnosed illness in patients
suffering from HCV, but as far as Pakistan is concerned, no prevalence study has been done
at a national level. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze the level
of depression among HCV patients in Pakistan, by using data from multiple studies, and
conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis. The goal is to also demonstrate the impacts of
depression on the selected population and recommend measures for more effective clinical
management and policy formulation. METHODOLOGY: The studies were retrieved from
electronic databases which include PubMed, PakMediNet, Google scholar, and other relevant
websites. Studies focusing on depression prevalence in patients suffering from HCV in
Pakistan were included. Random-effects model was used to analyze the pooled prevalence
estimates and I² statistic was used to determine the degree of heterogeneity. RESULTS: 15
selected studies included 6832 patients suffering from HCV. The accepted rates of prevalence
of depression were 34.5% 95% CI: 30.1%-38.9%. Depressive rates were between 22.4% and
46.8%. Results exhibited high heterogeneity I² = 78%.Sensitivity analysis verified the
stability of the results. CONCLUSION: Depression is a notable comorbidity among
Pakistani HCV patients, impacting more than one-third of the population. The high
prevalence indicates the importance of routine mental health screening and inclusion of
psychological interventions in HCV management protocols.