Association between depression and cardiometabolic multimorbidity: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

by Myo Zin Oo, Soe Sandi Tint, Somdeth Bodhisane Introduction Cardio metabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is increasingly prevalent and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, yet the role of depression in the clustering of cardiometabolic conditions has not been comprehensively synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize observational evidence on the association between depression and cardiometabolic multimorbidity and to estimate the prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity among adults with depression.

Methods The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251079959) and is reported in accordance with PRISMA-P guidelines. We will include observational studies (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional) involving adults aged ≥18 years that examine the association between depression and CMM.

Depression must be assessed using validated diagnostic criteria, standardized screening instruments, or clinical codes. CMM will be defined as the coexistence of two or more cardiometabolic diseases, including at least one metabolic and one cardiovascular condition.

Relevant studies will be identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from inception to September 2026, without language restrictions.