Depressive symptoms, stigma and suicidal thoughts among people living with HIV/AIDS attending a Tertiary Hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study found high rates of depression and suicidal thoughts among people living with HIV in Tanzania, highlighting the need for mental health support.

Contribution

The study identifies key sociodemographic factors associated with mental health outcomes in PLHIV in a specific regional context.

Findings

47.67% of participants had depressive symptoms and 37% had suicidal thoughts.

Being male and aged 50+ was linked to fewer depressive symptoms, while being married and having a seropositive child increased risk.

Experiencing threats or violence was significantly associated with suicidal thoughts.

Abstract

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) experience mental health challenges such as suicidal thoughts and depression. Moreover, PLHIV often face significant stigma, discrimination and social exclusions due to misconceptions surrounding the disease. This can leave them at risk for mental health problems, which may be associated with poorer treatment adherence and poorer overall health outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 PLHIV who attended the HIV clinic at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and suicidal thoughts while stigma was assessed using a set of questions obtained from a working report measuring HIV stigma in Tanzania. Patients were recruited using a systematic sampling method between 1st August 2021 and 31st December 2021. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 47.67%; and 37% had active suicide thoughts. Being male and aged 50 and above was associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms, whereas being married and having a seropositive child was associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms. Being threatened with or experienced violent behaviors towards one’s self was significantly associated with suicidal thoughts. Among the participants 7.3% had not disclosed their HIV status, reason for non-disclosure was feelings of shame and guilt. Almost a half of the participants screened positive for depressive symptoms and more than one third reported suicidal thoughts. The high level of mental health difficulties in this population strongly supports the need for early screening to identify those who would benefit from appropriate interventions.

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