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01-06-2014

Psychosocial Functioning and Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Positive Persons Receiving Care and Treatment in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania

Authors: Puja Seth, Daniel Kidder, Sherri Pals, Julie Parent, Redempta Mbatia, Kipruto Chesang, Deogratius Mbilinyi, Emily Koech, Mathias Nkingwa, Frieda Katuta, Anne Ng’ang’a, Pamela Bachanas

Published in: Prevention Science | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is considerably greater than that among members of the general population. It is particularly important to treat depressive symptoms among PLHIV because they have been associated with poorer HIV care-related outcomes. This study describes overall psychosocial functioning and factors associated with depressive symptoms among PLHIV attending HIV care and treatment clinics in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania. Eighteen HIV care and treatment clinics (six per country) enrolled approximately 200 HIV-positive patients (for a total of 3,538 participants) and collected data on patients’ physical and mental well-being, medical/health status, and psychosocial functioning. Although the majority of participants did not report clinically significant depressive symptoms (72 %), 28 % reported mild to severe depressive symptoms, with 12 % reporting severe depressive symptoms. Regression models indicated that greater levels of depressive symptoms were associated with: (1) being female, (2) younger age, (3) not being completely adherent to HIV medications, (4) likely dependence on alcohol, (5) disclosure to three or more people (versus one person), (6) experiences of recent violence, (7) less social support, and (8) poorer physical functioning. Participants from Kenya and Namibia reported greater depressive symptoms than those from Tanzania. Approximately 28 % of PLHIV reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. The scale-up of care and treatment services in sub-Saharan Africa provides an opportunity to address psychosocial and mental health needs for PLHIV as part of comprehensive care.

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Title: Psychosocial Functioning and Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Positive Persons Receiving Care and Treatment in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania
Authors: Puja Seth
Daniel Kidder
Sherri Pals
Julie Parent
Redempta Mbatia
Kipruto Chesang
Deogratius Mbilinyi
Emily Koech
Mathias Nkingwa
Frieda Katuta
Anne Ng’ang’a
Pamela Bachanas
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Prevention Science / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 1389-4986
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6695
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-013-0420-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Psychosocial Functioning and Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Positive Persons Receiving Care and Treatment in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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