Generalized psychological distress among HIV-infected patients enrolled in antiretroviral treatment in Dilla University Hospital, Gedeo zone, Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND
Psychological disorders like depression and anxiety are potentially dangerous conditions. In the context of HIV/AIDS, this can influence health-seeking behavior or uptake of diagnosis and treatment for HIV/AIDS, add to the burden of disease for HIV patients, create difficulty in adherence to treatment, and increase the risk of mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of generalized psychological distress among HIV-infected subjects on antiretroviral treatment (ART).


METHODS
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Interviews were conducted with 500 patients initiating ART at Dilla Referral Hospital. Generalized psychological distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A cutoff score ≥19 was used to identify possible cases of patients with generalized psychological distress. Multivariable logistic regression analysis using SPSS Version 20 was performed to identify factors associated with psychological distress.


RESULTS
The prevalence of generalized psychological distress among the population of this study was 11.2% (HADS≥19). Factors independently associated with generalized psychological distress were moderate stress (OR=6.87, 95% CI 2.27-20.81), low social support (OR=10.17, 95% CI 2.85-36.29), number of negative life events of six and above (OR=3.99, 95% CI 1.77-8.99), not disclosing HIV status (OR=5.24, 95% CI 1.33-20.62), and CD4 cell count of <200 cells/mm(3) (OR=1.98, 95% CI 0.45-0.83) and 200-499 cells/mm(3) (OR=3.53, 95% CI 1.62-7.73).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides prevalence of psychological distress lower than the prevalence of common mental disorders in Ethiopia and comparable to some other studies in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings are important in terms of their relevance to identifying high-risk groups for generalized psychological distress and preventing distress through integrating mental health services with HIV/AIDS care and support program.
Department of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia; solomon0917242124@gmail.com.
Solomon H
SH
Tesfaye
Department of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
Girma T
GT
Bune
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
Dilla University Referral Hospital; Ethiopia; HIV; distress; psychological distress