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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Psychosocial Functioning and Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Positive Persons Receiving Care and Treatment in Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania
Prevention Science, Volume 15, No. 3, Year 2014
Notification
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Description
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. © 2013 Society for Prevention Research (outside the USA).
Authors & Co-Authors
Seth, Puja
United States, Atlanta
National Center for Hiv, Viral Hepatitis, Std, and tb Prevention
Kidder, Daniel
United States, Atlanta
National Center for Hiv, Viral Hepatitis, Std, and tb Prevention
Pals, Sherri L.
United States, Atlanta
National Center for Hiv, Viral Hepatitis, Std, and tb Prevention
Parent, Julie
Namibia, Windhoek
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Mbatia, Redempta J.
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Health Promotion Support
Chesang, Kipruto
United States, Atlanta
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mbilinyi, Deogratius
United States, Atlanta
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Koech, Emily
Kenya, Nairobi
Icap-kenya
Nkingwa, Mathias
Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Katuta, Frieda
Namibia, Windhoek
Ministry of Health and Social Services
Ng'Ang'A, Anne
Kenya, Nairobi
Ministry of Health Nairobi
Bachanas, Pamela J.
United States, Atlanta
National Center for Hiv, Viral Hepatitis, Std, and tb Prevention
Statistics
Citations: 64
Authors: 12
Affiliations: 7
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1007/s11121-013-0420-8
ISSN:
13894986
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Mental Health
Substance Abuse
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Locations
Kenya
Namibia
Tanzania
Participants Gender
Female