Depression Among Hiv-positive Individuals Attending the Antiretroviral Treatment Clinics of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia,2021

Abstract Introduction: People who are infected with HIV are more likely to develop depression than the general population. It is one of the causes of poor adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy and worsens the patient’s condition and leads to death. Most studies conducted in the area addressed a single setting whereas this study was multi-central. So, it is important to assess the prevalence of depression and its determinants among HIV-positive individuals attending ART clinics of Wolaita Zone. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of depression among HIV-positive individuals attending ART clinics in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive individuals attending ART clinics of Wolaita Zone. Data was collected from 596 participants. Health facilities were clustered based on the number of patients attending to ART clinics. Then, facilities were selected randomly from the respective clusters. Data was collected through the face-to-face interview. Epi data for data entry and analyzed using SPSS’s version 20. The presence and strength of association were declared when p-value < 0.05 and using AOR in multivariate analysis respectively. Result The prevalence of depression among HIV-positive individuals in the Wolaita Zone is 32.6% at 95% CI [29%, 36%]. Marital status, educational status, living with families, family history of depression, place of medical follow-up, presence of Tuberculosis co-infection, and presence of sleep problems are significantly associated with depression among study participants. Conclusion and recommendation : The prevalence of depression among HIV-positive individuals in the Wolaita Zone is high. Being single, living far away from family members, having a family history of depression, the presence of sleep problems and TB co-infection, and making medical follow up at governmental facilities are determined to be factors associated with the occurrence of depression among HIV-positive individuals attending ART clinics of Wolaita Zone. Therefore, psychological support with differential counseling of patients on ART based on their specific needs is essential to minimize the occurrence of depression. In addition, early screening and treatment of TB co-infection, and depression are very important.