title: Depression and CD4 cell count among patients with HIV in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Depression is common in people living with HIV/AIDS and there is some evidence that depressive symptoms may have adverse effects on immune functioning. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of current depressive disorder in patients with HIV/AIDS and its association with CD4 cell count.
  
  
  METHODS
  A consecutive sample of 310 patients with HIV/AIDS attending Out-patient clinic in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (A.B.U.T.H.), Zaria, Nigeria was assessed. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to screen for depressive symptoms, and the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) was used to confirm the diagnosis of current depressive disorder. The CD4 cell counts of participants with depressive disorder were compared with those of participants without depressive disorder. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify socio-demographic and disease-related factors associated with depression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 310 HIV-infected participants assessed for depression, 14.2% had current depressive disorder. Adjusting for age, gender, education, occupation, and marital status, patients with CD4 counts < 150 cells/μl were more likely to be depressed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depression is common among HIV-infected persons in Nigeria and is associated with low CD4 cell counts. The screening and treatment of mental health problems such as depression should be considered an integral component of HIV care and support.
authors: Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria olisahvictor@yahoo.com.
authors: Victor Obiajulu
authors: VO
authors: Olisah
authors: Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
authors: Oluwatosin
authors: O
authors: Adekeye
authors: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, Nigeria.
authors: Taiwo Lateef
authors: TL
authors: Sheikh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: CD4 cell count; HIV/AIDS; current depressive disorder