Prevalence of Depression in Dialysis Patients in Iran (1998-2013): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and Patients with chronic renal failure suffer from progressive and irreversible destruction of renal function. Dialysis is the main treatment and eventually a kidney transplant may help the patients. However, the dialysis process is stressful and may cause depression in dialysis patients. Delay in diagnosis and treatment could result in nutrition disorder, low immune function, Nonadherence to dietary protocols, increased disease severity, and consequently committing suicide. This study aimed at identifying and assessing the level of depression in dialysis patients in Iran over a period of one decade. A meta-analysis was performed for relevant articles in Persian and English Scientific databases including SID, ScienceDirect and PubMed. Reference lists of identified articles were reviewed for additional articles. Heterogeneity of study was checked using I2 index. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) software. The overall prevalence of depression in dialysis patients in Iran was 63% (95% Cl 56%-70%) during 2003-2013. The highest prevalence of depression was recorded in Sanandaj in 2010, 93% (95% Cl: 83%-97%) and the lowest prevalence of depression was found in Tehran in 2009, 28% (95% Cl: 19%-49%). The prevalence of depression in dialysis patients in Iran was found to be higher than that of the developed countries. Therefore, screening for early detection of depression in dialysis patients, along with other diagnostic and therapeutic measures is of great benefit in reducing the consequences of depression.