TITLE:
Depression and Suicidal Ideations among Older Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Mbarara City, Southwest Uganda
AUTHORS:
Jordan Mutambi Amanyire, Irene Aheisibwe, Mark Mohan Kaggwa, Godfrey Zari Rukundo
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Older Person, Family Members, Financial Control, HIV/AIDs
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.13 No.5,
November
23,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Due to the increase in longevity and use of
antiretroviral treatment, Uganda has had a growing population of older persons
living with HIV/AIDS. However, there is a paucity of information on the mental
health of the elderly living with HIV/AIDS. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the prevalence
of, and associated factors for depression and suicidal ideation among older persons living with HIV/AIDS
in Mbarara city, southwest Uganda. Methods: Older persons (150 females,
115 males), with mean age = 64.2 (±5.1) years, accessing health services from
three purposively selected HIV/AIDS care centers in Mbarara
city, southwest Uganda were recruited. Data on depression and suicidal
ideation were collected using a Patient Health Questionnaire
(PHQ-9) validated in Uganda, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect
data on clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. Data were analysed
using logistic regression. Results: Approximately 8.3% and 12.1% had depression and suicidal ideation, respectively. The
factors associated with lowering the likelihood of depression were: an increase in the number of family members they
stayed with and having no having any problems with their ARVs. On the other
hand, earning more than 100,000 Uganda shillings was associated with reducing
the risk of suicidal ideations among the participants. Conclusion: Approximately
8 to 12 in 100 older persons living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda have experienced
depression or suicidal ideation. Family support and financial control were
instrumental factors associated with depression and suicidal ideations,
respectively. We recommended strengthening family structures and creating more
avenues for financial independence among older persons living with HIV/AIDS to reduce the burden of depression, and suicidal
behaviours among this vulnerable population.