Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression and Suicidality among Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Eastern Uganda

Depression and suicidality are prevalent among individuals with chronic illnesses. Data on their prevalence in children and adolescents with sickle cell anaemia in Uganda are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression and suicidality among children with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) in Eastern Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study among children with SCA between 9 and 17 years, at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital between 01/02/2024 and 05/06/2024. Depression and suicidality were measured using the MINI KID. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and entered into Kobo Toolbox for electronic data management. Analysis was performed using Stata 17. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to examine factors associated with depression and suicidality. Statistical significance was assessed at α = 0.05. 421 participants were enrolled; the prevalence of depression was 31.8