Original Research

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents living with HIV in Johannesburg, South Africa

Vuyiswa Gantsho, Mvuyiso Talatala, Nokuthula Mdaka
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 30 | a2208 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2208 | © 2024 Vuyiswa Gantsho, Mvuyiso Talatala, Nokuthula Mdaka | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 14 October 2023 | Published: 12 November 2024

About the author(s)

Vuyiswa Gantsho, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Mvuyiso Talatala, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and, Department of Psychiatry, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
Nokuthula Mdaka, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and, Department of Psychiatry, West Rand Health District, Krugersdorp, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV) are more vulnerable to developing depressive symptoms. Despite this knowledge, the screening for depression is not routinely integrated into HIV treatment programmes.

Aim: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among ALWHIV.

Setting: The study was carried out in the primary healthcare clinics and an antiretroviral clinic situated in a district hospital, West Rand District, Johannesburg.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 125 ALWHIV. The modified Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) was used to screen for depressive symptoms with a score of ≥ 5 deemed significant. A distress protocol was used for immediate psychological intervention.

Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.8% and the majority of ALWHIV reported mild-moderate symptoms (36.8%). Overall, 25.6% of adolescents had suicidal behaviours. Those with psychosocial difficulties and those who reported a previous suicide attempt were 3.6 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.17–11.03) and 6.9 (aOR 6.93, 95% CI:1.39–34.55) times likely to develop depressive symptoms, respectively.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms was found in ALWHIV. Psychosocial difficulties and previous suicide attempts were predictive factors for depressive symptoms. This highlights the unmet need for the integration of mental health screening and overall mental health services into adolescent HIV programmes.

Contribution: This study emphasises an urgent need for routine mental health screening and prompt psychosocial support in ALWHIV.


Keywords

depressive symptoms; adolescents; HIV; PHQ-A; South Africa

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Metrics

Total abstract views: 256
Total article views: 228


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.