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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Antidepressant Drugs | Study protocol

The effectiveness of depression management for improving HIV care outcomes in Malawi: protocol for a quasi-experimental study

Authors: Michael Udedi, Melissa A. Stockton, Kazione Kulisewa, Mina C. Hosseinipour, Bradley N. Gaynes, Steven M. Mphonda, Brian W. Pence

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Depression, prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Malawi, is associated with negative HIV patient outcomes and likely affects HIV medical management. Despite the high prevalence of depression, its management has not been integrated into HIV care in Malawi or most low-income countries.

Methods

This study employs a pre-post design in two HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi, to evaluate the effect of integrating depression management into routine HIV care on both mental health and HIV outcomes. Using a multiple baseline design, this study is examining mental health and HIV outcome data of adult (≥18 years) patients newly initiating ART who also have depression, comparing those entering care before and after the integration of depression screening and treatment into HIV care. The study is also collecting cost information to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the program in improving rates of depression remission and HIV treatment engagement and success.

Discussion

We anticipate that the study will generate evidence on the effect of depression management on HIV outcomes and the feasibility of integrating depression management into existing HIV care clinics. The results of the study will inform practice and policy decisions on integration of depression management in HIV care clinics in Malawi and related settings, and will help design a next-step strategy to scale-up integration to a larger scale.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID [NCT03555669]. Retrospectively registered on 13 June 2018.
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Metadata
Title
The effectiveness of depression management for improving HIV care outcomes in Malawi: protocol for a quasi-experimental study
Authors
Michael Udedi
Melissa A. Stockton
Kazione Kulisewa
Mina C. Hosseinipour
Bradley N. Gaynes
Steven M. Mphonda
Brian W. Pence
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7132-3

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