Prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in HIV-positive outpatients in rural Tanzania.
HIV/AIDS is associated with significant mental health morbidity in high-income countries, and depression associated with HIV/AIDS has been linked with faster disease progression and reduced drug adherence. However, research on mental health is scarce in sub-Saharan Africa where infection levels are highest. This cross-sectional study of 220 HIV-positive outpatients at a dedicated Tanzanian HIV/AIDS care centre assessed sociodemographics, clinical variables and prevalence of ICD-10 common mental health diagnoses via a standardised psychiatric questionnaire (the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised). Depression or mixed anxiety and depression was identified in 15.5% of subjects, with 4.5% suffering from other anxiety disorders. This suggests routine HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa should include assessment and treatment of mental health issues.
The Chancellor's Building, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK. katherine.marwick@cantab.net
Katherine F M
KF
Marwick
Sylvia F
SF
Kaaya
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult