A recent study conducted at a university teaching hospital in Jos, Nigeria, has revealed alarming rates of depression among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The research, carried out in 2022, found that 44.9% of the 592 adult participants surveyed experienced depression, highlighting a significant mental health challenge for this vulnerable population.
The hospital-based, cross-sectional study employed the PHQ-9 questionnaire—a widely used tool for assessing the severity of depression—along with an interviewer-administered sociodemographic questionnaire.
The participants were randomly selected, with factors such as age, gender, employment status, and income levels analyzed to determine their association with depression among PLHIV.
The study’s findings underscore the need for more targeted mental health interventions. “Depression is not only common but has a profound impact on the overall health and quality of life of PLHIV,” said one of the lead researchers.
“This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where socioeconomic factors further exacerbate the mental health burden on individuals living with HIV.”
Interestingly, certain sociodemographic factors were linked to a reduced likelihood of depression. Being male, having formal employment, and earning a monthly income of between ₦50,000–100,000 ($65–130) or above ₦100,000 ($130–260) were associated with lower odds of experiencing depression.
The study reported adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 0.62 for being male, 0.55 for being employed, and 0.49 and 0.33 for earning ₦50,000–100,000 and above ₦100,000, respectively.
The researchers suggested that these factors may offer some level of resilience against mental health struggles, potentially due to the stability and social support that employment and higher income levels can provide.
In contrast, participants without steady employment or those with lower income levels faced higher risks of depression.
The study’s findings highlight the complex interplay of mental health and HIV management in cosmopolitan cities like Jos, where PLHIV face unique challenges. “Factors such as cultural tensions, traffic congestion, and gentrification could be additional stressors that aggravate the mental health conditions of HIV patients in urban areas,” the researchers noted.
Given the high prevalence of depression revealed in this study, experts recommend that targeted mental health interventions should be integrated into HIV care programs.
Specific support systems should be developed for categories of PLHIV that are at greater risk of depression, such as those who are unemployed or earn lower incomes.
Furthermore, broader mental health management strategies already in place for PLHIV should be strengthened to address the psychological needs of this group comprehensively.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence indicating that mental health issues are a significant concern for PLHIV, particularly in low-resource settings.
They call for urgent policy measures to integrate mental health care with ART services, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support.
The researchers advocate for ongoing mental health screening for PLHIV and stress the need for public health authorities to prioritize mental health services as part of HIV treatment programs.
“Combining ART with consistent mental health support could significantly improve treatment outcomes for people living with HIV,” they concluded.
As Nigeria continues to battle the dual burden of HIV and mental health challenges, studies like this shed light on the urgent need for holistic approaches in treating those affected by the virus.
