A study on prevalence and correlates of depression among women living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome in North Karnataka

CONTEXT: Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric condition seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Various biological, sociocultural, and economic factors make women more vulnerable to HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Depression affects medication adherence and immunity against HIV thus contribute significantly to disease progression. AIMS: The aim is to assess the prevalence, sociodemographic, and clinical correlates of depression among women living with HIV/AIDS. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre attached to government medical college hospital in North Karnataka and cross-sectional design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted among of 145 women living with HIV/AIDS, depression was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory, and social support was assessed using Lubben Social Network Scale and quality of life (QoL) using the World Health Organization QoL BREF scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Chi-square test with P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 145 HIV-positive women, 50 (34.5%) were depressed. Depression was statistically significant in women from rural background. Significant association between depression and risk of social isolation was observed. Scores of all domains of QoL, that is, physical, psychological, social, and environmental were reducing with increase in the severity of depression indicating that QoL was decreasing with increase in severity of depression. Among the four domains, social domain was the most affected. CONCLUSIONS: Depression among women living with HIV/AIDS which is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Depression negatively impacts adherence and immunity leading rapid progression of the infection. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of depression are essential.