Open Access

ARTICLE

Exploring the Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Depression among Sickle Cell Anemia Patients in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region

by Abdullah A. Alharbi¹, Ahmad Y. Alqassim^1,*, Mohammed A. Muaddi¹, Najat H. Aldubayyan¹, Rana I. Abuhadi¹, Futon A. Akoor¹, Sarah J. Mobarki¹, Imtenan A. Oberi¹, Ghaidaa H. Alharbi¹, Yara Ajeebi¹, Adnan M. Alkhayat², Hafiz Malhan³, Mohammed Bakkar⁴, Anwar M. Makeen¹

1 Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
2 Laboratory Department, King Fahd Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
3 Internal Medicine Department, Prince Mohammad bin Nasser Hospital, Ministry of Health, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
4 Hematology Department, King AbdulAziz Medical City for National Guard, Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia

* Corresponding Author: Ahmad Y. Alqassim. Email:

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion 2024, 26(5), 351-359. https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2024.047219

Received 29 October 2023; Accepted 19 March 2024; Issue published 30 May 2024

Abstract

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a prevalent genetic condition in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region. The study’s purpose was to assess the prevalence of de-pression among individuals with SCA in this area and to identify the factors associated with this condition. The study involved 391 adult participants, all patients in the hematology center of Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital (PMNH). Data was collected through an anonymous interview questionnaire–the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)–between March–May 2022. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information and variables related to the participant’s SCA history, such as pain levels, frequency of pain, hospitalization duration, and frequency of blood transfusions. These variables underwent Chi-square and One-way ANOVA testing, followed by multivariate regression. The study found a 42% prevalence of depression among the SCA patients. Factors significantly linked with heightened depression levels included being widowed or divorced, experiencing frequent and severe pain, and longer duration of hospital stays. An educational level of at least a bachelor’s degree was also a significant factor. The study reveals a high prevalence of depression among SCA patients in the Jazan region. It underscores the need for policymakers to educate both physicians and patients about the importance of mental health in SCA management. The study also highlights the need for more research into the specific causes and effects of depressive symptoms in SCA patients to inform the creation of effective management plans.

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