Factors Associated With Depression Among Adolescents Living With HIV at Health Facilities in Rwanda

Monday, 29 July 2019: 9:30 AM

Godfrey Katende, DNP, RN1
Pacifique Mukangabire, MSN2
Joselyne Rugema, MSN2
Patricia Moreland, PhD2
Aimable Nkurunziza, MSN3
(1)Department of Nursing and Midwifery, New York University, Rory Meyers School of Nursing and University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health, Kigali, Rwanda
(2)School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Rwanda, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kigali, Rwanda
(3)School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda

Introduction

Depression is a major contributor to the burden of disease worldwide and a common mental health condition of persons with HIV/AIDS. Literature indicates that adolescents with HIV are particularly at risk for major depression as they transition from childhood to adolescence and become cognitively aware of the seriousness of their condition. Social isolation, stigma, and uncertainty associated with their disease contribute to the risk of depression.

Purpose:

To assess the factors associated with depression among adolescents living with HIV in Rwanda, a case of Gasabo District

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. Data was collected from 102 HIV-infected adolescents, aged 10 to 19 years, using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children. The CES-DS is a 30-item self-report depression scale that was validated in Rwanda in adolescents ages 10 to 17 years with good internal consistency of Cronbach's alpha of 0.86, Test–retest reliability (r = 0.85), and interrater reliability (ICC = 0.82)[11].

The study setting included one hospital and two health center of Gasabo District of Rwanda. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic data. Bivariate analysis including Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between demographic variables and depression scores.

Results:

The findings of the study showed that 31% of all study participants had symptoms of depression. Results of a multivariate analysis found that adolescents were more likely to develop depression if both parents were deceased (OR: 25, p = .04); or if the adolescent was living with someone other than a family member. Depression was less likely if the adolescent was attending school (OR 23.8; p = .04).

Conclusion:

Adolescents with HIV in Rwanda are at risk of developing depression. Knowledge of these factors is important in designing strategies for prevention and management of depression among adolescents living with HIV in Rwanda. Nurses should screen for depressive symptoms in this population. Interventions to reduce depression in adolescents with HIV are necessary.