TITLE:
Depression and Suicidal Risk in HIV-Infected Adults at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors
AUTHORS:
Bienvenu Rolland Ossibi Ibara, Tatia Adoua Doukaga, Alain M. Mouanga, André Moukouma, Martin Ekat, Parfait Bintsindou, Ella Angonga Pabota, Princesse Benet Lebaho, Bebene Damba Banzuzi
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Suicidal Risk, HIV/AIDS, Prevalence, Associated Factors
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Infectious Diseases,
Vol.14 No.1,
January
23,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral tritherapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV (PVVIH) and extended their life expectancy. However, the nervous system is faced with a neurotropic virus that evolves chronically, sometimes creating neurological disorders directly or indirectly linked to stigmatization or therapeutic effects. Objective: to determine the prevalence of depression associated with suicidal risk (SR) and identify associated factors. Patients and method: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study from January 1 to November 30, 2022, including all HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral therapy. The study took place in the infectious diseases department of Brazzaville University Hospital. This department has an inpatient capacity of 36 beds, and an outpatient capacity of 25 patients per day, three times a week. This is the largest center for PVVIH in Brazzaville. The Patient Heath Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the degree of depression and suicidal risk. Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the Morisky questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Qualitative variables were expressed as numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables as means and standard deviations. Statistical tests were used according to their applicability criteria. For all tests, the significance threshold was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 150 patients were consulted, constituting the sample size. The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was 32%. These patients had an average age of 42.83 ± 10.24 years, were female (n = 101; 67.3%), Christian (n = 97; 64%), single (n = 68; 45.3%). Stigmatization (n = 75; 50%) was the reason for attempted suicide. HIV was perceived as treatable (n = 103; 68.7%), unlucky (n = 62; 41.3%). Patients were WHO stage 1 (n = 105; 70%). RS was present in 47 cases (31.3%). Factors associated with depression and suicidal risk were age (p = 0.000), residence (p = 0.028), suicide attempt (p = 0.000), desire to procreate (p = 0.000) and ARV (antiretrovirals) side effects (p Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was high, in line with stigma and socio-economic conditions. The associated factors were in line with those identified in the literature. Mental health needs to be integrated into the overall care of people living with HIV.