Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy In Public Hospitals of Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Ethiopia

Abstract BackgroundCurrently, people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus have longer life expectancies with the use of antiretroviral therapy. However; depression is the most common in these patients, which has markedly resulted to poor health outcomes due to reduced adherence to treatment and deterioration of medical outcomes, including treatment resistance, increase the demand for the utilization of medical resources and increase the morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult people living with HIV attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in public hospitals at KembataTembaro Zone, South Ethiopia,2020.MethodAn institution based cross sectional study was conducted in public Hospitals of KembataTembaro Zone from March 1/2020-April30/2020. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Multivariable Logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with depression using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 44.3% (95% CI: 39.4% − 49.2 Being female (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.21,3.40), living alone (AOR = 3.09,95%CI :1.68,5.68), Having HIV related stigma (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.73, 4.71), poor social support (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.78), CD4 count less than 350 cell/ul (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.58) and Poor medication adherence (AOR = 2.19,95% CI: 1.32, 3.65) were factors significantly associated with depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression was high. Being female, living alone, having HIV related stigma, Poor social support, CD4 count less than 350 cell/ul and poor medication adherence were associated with depression. Depression should be included as part of the routine consultation of HIV patients to ensure early detection and treatment.