Depression Among PLHIV On ART, Attending Drop-In Centre Run by Positive People Network: A Cross Sectional Study in Surat, India

Abstract

Background: Mental Health Issues are not adequately addressed when it the comes to the burden of non-communicable disorders among PLHIV on ART. PLHIV often suffer from depression and anxiety during their quest to adjust to the diagnosis and face the difficulties of living with a chronic illness, of which permanent cure is yet to be discovered. Objective: To assess depression among HIV positive beneficiaries registered with Network of Surat People Living with HIV (NSP+) in Surat. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 30 PLHIV on ART from Network of Surat People Living with HIV (NSP+). Becks Depression Inventory was applied to assess depression. Results: The mean BDI score among male participants was 25.6 (± 11.39) and that of female participants was 23 (± 12), nine male participants were classified as having moderate depression, three as severe, and 2 as extreme depression. Among females four participants were found to having mild mood disturbance while four were classified as having moderate depression, whereas only one participant was classified as having extreme depression (score of 53). Pearson’s correlation between CD4 count and BDI score was found to be -0.35. Conclusion: Though majority of the participants are in WHO clinical stage 1, yet all the participants had borderline or extreme depression. Males had lower CD4 count, higher proportion of OI and higher mean score of BDI. Lower the CD4 count higher the severity of depression.

Keywords

• Depression, BDI, PLHIV, ART