SAHARA-J (Jan 2016)

Prevalence of prenatal depression and associated factors among HIV-positive women in primary care in Mpumalanga province, South Africa

  • Karl Peltzer,
  • Violeta J. Rodriguez,
  • Deborah Jones

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/17290376.2016.1189847
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 60 – 67

Abstract

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This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressed symptoms and associated factors in prenatal HIV-positive women in primary care facilities in rural South Africa. In a cross-sectional study, 663 HIV-positive prenatal women in 12 community health centres in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, were recruited by systematic sampling (every consecutive patient after HIV post-test counselling). Results indicate that overall, 48.7% [95% CI: 44.8, 52.6] of women during the prenatal period reported depressed mood (scores of ≥ 13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 10). In multivariate analysis, not being employed, unplanned pregnancy, not having an HIV-positive child, poor antiretroviral therapy adherence, non-condom use at last sex, and intimate partner violence were associated with depressive symptoms. Potential risk factors among HIV-infected prenatal women were identified which could be utilized in interventions. Routine screening for depression may be integrated into prenatal care settings.

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