Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Depression is a common and serious mental health issue in individuals with diabetes, especially among middle-aged and elderly women, leading to reduced treatment adherence, an overall decline in well-being and a significant reduction in quality of life. Although previous studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors of depression in this population, the results have been inconsistent and lack consensus. The aim of this review is to determine the prevalence of depression and explore associated risk factors among middle-aged and elderly women with diabetes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A comprehensive search will be performed in eight electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database from their inception to 15 April 2025. Studies published in English and Chinese that report on the prevalence and risk factors of depression among middle-aged and elderly women with diabetes will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen studies for eligibility, extract data and evaluate the risk of bias. Any disagreements will be addressed by a third reviewer. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. All statistical analyses will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.4. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I² statistic and Q test. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity and assess result robustness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not require ethical approval as it is based on previously published studies. Its findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, providing evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of depression in middle-aged and elderly women with diabetes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420251014849.