Depression and Associated Factors among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Public Health Facilities, Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Among those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues. Despite its high incidence, depression goes undiagnosed and untreated in the majority of HIV/AIDS patients, which has a negative impact on how well they adhere to their antiretroviral regimen.

Objective: To assess the magnitude of depression and associated factors among people attending antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Hosanna town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health facilities of Hosanna town from June 6 to July 6, 2019, among people living with HIV/AIDS aged 18 years and older who were on ART. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 392 participants. Data were collected using a pretested and standardized structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Variables having a p value less than 0.2 in bivariate analysis were entered into the multiple logistic regression model. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed, and variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significantly associated with depression.

Result: The prevalence of depression among HIV patients was 37.8%. Being female (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI (1.21, 3.84)), not disclosing their HIV status (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI (1.57, 4.89)), rural dwellers (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.58, 4.57)), poor ART adherence (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.10, 3.24)), having HIV-perceived stigma (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI (1.01, 2.88)), and poor social support (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI (1.11, 3.09)) were significantly associated with depression.

Conclusion: The magnitude of depression was high among PLWHIVs. Being female, rural dwellers, not disclosing HIV status, poor ART adherence, HIV-perceived stigma, and poor social support were significantly associated with depression. Enhancing adherence, counseling, and linking those patients who had poor social support to the concerned relatives for care and support is recommended. Providing health education both at the facility level and at the community level may reduce stigma and subsequently depression. Encouraging disclosing HIV status may help to prevent depression.