PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN SELECTED DISTRICTS IN KERALA, SOUTH INDIA.
Dr. Navya. J. Thaikattil*, Dr. Saumil Dholakia, Dr. Saju. C. R and Dr. Jenyz. M
ABSTRACT
Background: HIV infection has now become a chronic condition with the recent advances in treatment and resultant increase in life expectancy. PLHA (People living with HIV/AIDS) are in a state of chronic stress as they have to deal with the prospect of social stigma, prolonged physical illness and early death. Depression is the most frequently observed psychiatric disorder among PLHA and is often associated with poor adherence to treatment, higher morbidity and mortality. Mental health services are not routinely provided at HIV treatment centers presently, thus depression often goes undetected among PLHA. Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression among PLHA in selected districts in Kerala, South India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 100 PLHA during a period of 6 months. Seriously ill and PLHA with HIV dementia were excluded from the study. Depression was assessed using Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a validated depression screening tool which is based on (DSM-IV) criteria. Results: The age of study population ranged from 22 to 64 years and majority (68%) were males. Prevalence of depression was found to be 51%. Subjects of Female gender, those with higher education, and those Above Poverty Line (APL) were found to have higher prevalence of depression. Occupation was also found to have significant association with depression status. Conclusion: This study shows that depression is an important co-morbidity among PLHA and highlights the need to integrate efficient mental health interventions into routine HIV clinical care.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Depression, Prevalence
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