{
  "abstract": "Introduction/background: 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.\n\nMethods: 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.\n\nResults: 421 participants were enrolled; the prevalence of depression was 31.8% (95% CI 27.4%–36.5%), while suicidality was 19.0% (95% CI 15.4–23.1%). The Factors associated with depression were parents' or guardians' employment. (aPR) 1.89, 95% CI 1.268–2.820, P value = 0.002). Household income over 150,000 Uganda Shillings monthly [aPR 0.56, 95% CI (0.327–0.97), P value = 0.039]. Parents' involvement in business [aPR 1.65, 95% CI (1.010–2.694), P value = 0.046]. 5–10 admissions [aPR 2.37, 95% CI (1.434–3.929), P value < 0.001]. For suicidality, being aged 13–17 years (aPR: 1.39 (95% CI 1.012–3.331) and a P = 0.012). Medication side effects (aPR: 1.49 (95% CI 1.017–3.024; p = 0.038).\n\nConclusion: Children and adolescents living with SCA who had formally employed parents or guardians were significantly associated with depression. Older children and adolescents had a higher risk of suicidality. Findings highlight the magnitude of mental health challenges and underline the need for integrated mental health screening within chronic disease management.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Busitema University, P. O Box 1460, Mbale City, Uganda",
    "SEED Global Health Uganda, Kampala City, Uganda",
    "Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Busitema University, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale City, Uganda",
    "Department Of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O Box 7072, Kampala City, Uganda",
    "Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University, P. O Box 1460, Mbale City, Uganda",
    "Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Busitema University, P. O Box 1460, Mbale City, Uganda"
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 6,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Dedan Okello"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        1
      ],
      "name": "Lisa Rynn"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0,
        2
      ],
      "name": "Milton W. Musaba"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        3
      ],
      "name": "Sarah Kiguli"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        4
      ],
      "name": "David Mukunya"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        5
      ],
      "name": "Joseph Kirabira"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/3qbh5md2nwd5e.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1007/s44192-026-00570-w",
  "fulltext_url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13737220/",
  "id": "3qbh5md2nwd5e",
  "issns": [
    "2731-4383"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00570-w",
  "language": "en",
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "heading",
      "Research"
    ],
    [
      "openalex",
      "2716|Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7202048525",
  "pdf_url": null,
  "pmcid": "PMC13737220",
  "pmid": "42983006",
  "published": "2026-08-09",
  "publisher": "Springer",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/3qbh5md2nwd5e.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-11-09T12:22:28Z",
      "native_id": "PMC13737220",
      "source": "pmc",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-026-00570-w"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "openalex:2716|Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders",
      "subfield": "human-genetics"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Prevalence and factors associated with depression and suicidality among children and adolescents with sickle cell anaemia in eastern Uganda",
  "title_text": "Prevalence and factors associated with depression and suicidality among children and adolescents with sickle cell anaemia in eastern Uganda",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-11-09T12:22:28Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/3qbh5md2nwd5e",
  "venue": "Discover Mental Health",
  "versions": []
}