HIV/AIDS and Depression: When Two Conditions Coincide – Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Alvi, YSameen, SKhalique, N.2023-07-142023-07-142022-09Alvi Y, Sameen S, Khalique N.. HIV/AIDS and Depression: When Two Conditions Coincide – Prevalence and Associated Factors.. Light House Polyclinic. 2022 Sept; 21(3): 1-60972-5997http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/218318Introduction: Depression is the most common mental illness among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). While depression is common among other chronic illnesses, it is expected to be more with HIV/AIDS, which is a more stressful state. Thus, in this study, we tried to estimate the prevalence of depression along with its associated factors in people with HIV/AIDS. Method: This cross-sectional study was done at one ART Centre in North India. Over a period of one year, HIV/AIDS patients taking antiretroviral therapy were interviewed, estimating depression with PHQ-9. Using multivariate logistic regression, we examined the association of various factors with depression among HIV patients. Results: We observed that 16% of PLHA suffered from depression, while 3% had moderate and moderately severe depression. Among the factors associated with depression, we found alcohol consumption [OR 2.553; 95%CI 1.180 - 5.526], lower CD4 cell counts [OR 2.630; 95%CI 1.297 - 5.330], side effects from ART [OR 2.442; 95%CI 1.302 - 4.577], unsatisfaction from family support [OR 2.683; 95%CI 1.334 - 5.394] and no improvement from ART [OR 0.412; 95%CI 0.190 - 0.896] to be individually and significantly associated. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of depression among HIV/AIDS patients and its association with various factors should worry policymakers, prompting them to take necessary action.DepressionPLHAHIV/AIDSAntiretroviral therapyHIV/AIDS and Depression: When Two Conditions Coincide – Prevalence and Associated Factors.Journal ArticleIndiaDepartment of Community Medicine, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research, Hamdard University, New Delhi, IndiaDepartment of Pathology, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science and Research, Hamdard University, New Delhi, IndiaDepartment of Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, India.