Abstract:
Depression is a mental health disorder, which primarily affect mood. These symptoms are
common among HIV infected children. The prevalence rate ranges from 23-45%worldwide. In
Sub Saharan African countries, it ranges from 17.8% to 44%. In Tanzania, however such
information is very limited. This study was conducted to cover for that existing knowledge
gap.
Objective: This aimed at determining the proportion of HIV infected children aged 9 – 17
years with depression symptoms attending at PASADA Care and Treatment Clinic in
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Materials and methods: This was a descriptive health facility based cross-sectional study.
Eligible children aged 9-17 years, attending the PASADA HIV Care and Treatment Clinics
were enrolled. The study was conducted from June to November 2011. A structured
questionnaire was used to gather information on the children’s sociodemographic
characteristics, ARV status and WHO HIV clinical stage. A Kiswahili translated version of
Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to assess the presence of depressive
symptoms. Chi square or Fisher’s exact test where applicable was used to establish differences
among the groups.
Results: In total 408 children fulfilled the study eligibility criteria and took part in the study.
Their mean age was 13.3 (±2.2) years. The overall proportion of depression symptoms was
33.3%. Depression symptoms were more prevalent in children aged 13-17 (74.3%), WHO
HIV clinical stage II and III and those who were living with the relatives instead of their
biological parents (63%). There was no significant statistical difference in proportion of
depressive symptoms among male and female children.CONCLUSION
Generally this study has established that, there is high proportion of HIV infected children
with symptoms of depression among those who attend for HIV Care and Treatment Clinic.
The symptoms were common among children who were older, living with relative(s) apart
from their biological parent(s), WHO HIV clinical stage II and III.
RECOMMENDATION
The proportion of HIV infected children with symptoms of depression obtained from the
current study emphasises the need for routine screening of these symptoms to all HIV infected
children. Appropriate treatment or referral to psychiatrist should be done as to achieve the
overall health of these children. However, Future studies should assess what are the
independent predictors for the occurrence of depression symptoms among these children, so
that we can develop evidence based and practical sound intervention to improve their physical
and mental well being.
