Depression in People Living with HIV/AIDS in Fitche Hospital, Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the commonest psychiatric disorders with the prevalence

ranging from 5-10% in general population and about 60% among people living with HIV/AIDS

and the problem more common in. Depression and HIV are interrelated negatively impacting the

life of people living with HIV/AIDS. 

METHODS:  This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Fitche Hospital in February 2012

among people living with HIV/AIDS. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression tool (CES-

D) was used to collect the data from 390 PLWHA. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic

regression analyses were done and variables with P<0.25 in bivariate logistic regression analysis

were entered to multivariate logistic regression analysis and statistical significance was declared

at P<0.05 in multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS:  The prevalence of depression was 299 (76.7%) ranging from mild to moderate (33.6%)

to major depression (43.1%) with the highest proportion observed among food insecure

individuals 287 (79.3%). Being female by sex [AOR=1.951 (1.055-3.608)], food insecurity

[AOR=3.809 (1.535-9.452)], non-ownership of livestock [2.257 (1.179-4.320)] and opportunistic

infections [AOR=5.119 (1.302-20.135)] were significantly associated with depression.

CONCLUSIONS: Depression is prevalent in the study population. Social disparities are important

factors depression among PLWHA. Integration of mental health care services with HIV/AIDS

related health care services at all levels is needed.