Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39834659›Full record

ReviewGlobal epidemiology2025

Lower limb lymphoedema-related mental depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-cancer-related studies.

Tegene Atamenta Kitaw, Addisu Getie, Solomon Gebremichael Asgedom, Molalign Aligaz Adisu, Befkad Derese Tilahun, Alemu Birara Zemariam, Addis Wondmagegn Alamaw, Abebe Merchaw Faris, Tesfaye Engdaw Habtie, Melesse Abiye Munie and 6 more

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Global epidemiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

16 authors.

Tegene Atamenta KitawDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Addisu GetieDepartment of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
Solomon Gebremichael AsgedomDepartment of Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Aksum University, Axum, Ethiopia.
Molalign Aligaz AdisuDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Befkad Derese TilahunDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Alemu Birara ZemariamDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Addis Wondmagegn AlamawDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Abebe Merchaw FarisDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Tesfaye Engdaw HabtieDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Melesse Abiye MunieDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Eyob Shitie LakeDepartment of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Gizachew YilakDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Mulat AyeleDepartment of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Molla AzmerawDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
Biruk Beletew AbateSchool of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
Ribka Nigatu HaileDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Lower limb lymphoedema, characterized by persistent swelling in the legs due to lymphatic dysfunction, not only imposes a physical burden but is also associated with significant mental depression. While emerging research suggests a strong link between lower limb lymphoedema and depression, the extent of the problem remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between lower limb lymphoedema and mental depression through a meta-analysis of existing studies. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Scientific Indexing, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used for pooled estimates, along with subgroup analysis, heterogeneity assessment, publication bias testing, and sensitivity analysis. The prediction interval was computed to estimate where future observations may fall. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024541596). Results: Thirteen studies involving 3503 patients with lower limb lymphoedema due to lymphatic filariasis, podoconiosis, or leprosy were included. The pooled estimate of depression related to lower limb lymphoedema was 38.4 % (95 % CI: 26.3 %, 50.5 %). High heterogeneity (I Conclusion: Patients with lower limb lymphoedema experience disproportionately high rates of mental depression compared to the general population. Integrating mental health assessment and treatment into care packages for lymphoedema management is essential, with special attention needed for leprosy patients.

Indexed as

Lower limbLymphoedemaMental depression

Identifiers

PMID39834659
PMCPMC11743871

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.