Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among HIV Patients Seeking Treatments in ART Clinics at Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Mahir Mohammed, Bezatu Mengistie, Yadeta Dessie and Wanzahun Godana

Background: Depression HIV/AIDS and are projected to be the world's two leading causes of disability by 2030. Depression among people with HIV/AIDS is very high also affects 121 million people globally. The study was aimed at estimating prevalence of depression and associated factors among adult patients seeking ART treatment in Harar, East Ethiopia

Method: An institutional based cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2013. A total of 740 study subjects were included in the study. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire by trained data collectors. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify predictors of depression. The association between explanatory and dependent variable was reported using odd ratio and its 95% confidence interval.

Results: prevalence of depression among HIV patients was 45.8%. In multivariate models, independently associated with sex being male (AOR 1.633; 95% CI 1.138, 2.342) and Marital status being widowed (3.128; 95% CI 1.700, 5.757) and Monthly income earning 500-1000 (1.924; 95% 1.159, 3.195) the last scheduled clinic visit in a month (AOR 22.729; 95% 2.450, 210.873) and last time missed any of medication (5.274; 95% CI 2.583, 10.768) and Teased, insulted or sworn at (AOR 2.286; 95% CI 1.216,4.297) Gossiped about (AOR 2.990; 95% CI 1.682,5.313) had significant association.

Conclusion: From findings of this study, it emerged that depression is high among people living with HIV who participated in the study. Being male and lack of social support were statistically associated with depression. On the other hand, depressive morbidity is hence challenges to uptake of medical recommendations among PLWHA accessing care and treatment services, with potential implications for HIV treatment outcomes.

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