Prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Moshi municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a common mental disorder accounting for 3.8% disability worldwide; and 38% in East Africa. There is an increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) than in the general population which may impair adherence to treatment and quality of life. The use of ART has increased the life span of People living with HIV (PLWH) thus they grow to old age and increase the risk of diabetes. There are biological and psychosocial factors associated with depressive symptoms in PLWH. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. Objective: The study determined the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among People living with HIV (PLWH) using a multistage systematic sampling technique in selecting study participants. A structured social demographic questionnaire, DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire to measure social support, a Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), a brief copying scale, glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) tools, and patient medical report were used in collecting data. Data were entered and analyzed using STATA version 16. Descriptive data were described using the mean as well as standard deviation. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done and adjusted for intra-cluster of outcome to assess the association between the independent and dependent variables with a statistical significance p-value<0.05. Data collection was between September to October 2023. Results: A total of 598 clients participated in this study from four care and treatment Clinics (CTCs) in three health facility levels with just above half (56%) from the secondary health facility level. Almost three-quarters (70.9%) of the participants were female. The Prevalence of depressive symptoms was 14% (N=86). Factors associated with depressive symptoms were, secondary health facility AOR 1.28(95% Cl:1.14-1.76), family history of mental illness AOR 2.91(95% Cl:1.58-5.37, good social support AOR 11.11(95% Cl: 2.61-17.1), average social vi support AOR 5.44 (95% Cl:1.81-7.38)and higher maladaptive copes AOR 4.57(95% Cl:3.32 6.30). Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among PLWH is more common as one in seven reported depressive symptoms. The study shows attending a secondary health facility, the presence of a history of mental illness in the family, good and average social support, and maladaptive coping mechanisms were associated with depressive symptoms among People Living with HIV. Recommendations: From this study improving mental health care, especially in secondary health facilities by increasing resources, Strengthening social support systems and addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms for people living with HIV will help to reduce depressive symptoms among people living with HIV.