November 13, 2024

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Higher Rates of Depression Among People Living with HIV

Higher Rates of Depression Among People Living with HIV



Higher Rates of Depression Among People Living with HIV

Depression can negatively impact the outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART), with research indicating a high prevalence of depression among people living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

A new study, published by the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, focuses on the sociodemographic factors linked to depression in PLHIV undergoing ART in a metropolitan city in Nigeria.

 

Higher Rates of Depression Among People Living with HIV

 

 


Methodology

In 2022, researchers conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study at a university teaching hospital in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 592 adult PLHIV, selected randomly on a voluntary basis, participated in the study. The researchers employed the PHQ-9 questionnaire to assess depressive symptoms, along with a structured questionnaire to gather sociodemographic data.

Univariate analysis was performed to identify relevant variables, which were further analyzed using multivariable binary logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated, with statistical significance set at α=0.05.

Key Findings

The study revealed a significant prevalence of depression, with 44.9% of participants affected. Specific factors associated with reduced risk of depression included:

  • Male gender (AOR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.42-0.92)
  • Employment status (AOR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.31-0.97)
  • Monthly income between $65-$130 (AOR=0.49; 95% CI: 0.27-0.91)
  • Monthly income between $130-$260 (AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.13-0.77)

Conclusion

The findings highlight that male PLHIV with formal employment and moderate monthly incomes have a lower risk of depression. These insights could shape mental health strategies for PLHIV in metropolitan regions like Jos, where challenges such as cultural tensions, traffic congestion, and rapid urbanization affect well-being.

In addition to existing mental health services, targeted psychological support may benefit subgroups of PLHIV at higher risk of depression. Policymakers and healthcare providers should incorporate these insights into the management of mental health among PLHIV.

Journal Reference:
Onubi, J., et al. (2024). Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Depression among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy at a University Teaching Hospital in a Nigerian Cosmopolitan City. Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine. https://doi.org/10.14218/erhm.2024.00018.

Higher Rates of Depression Among People Living with HIV

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