Occurrence pf Depression Among HIV Patients Attending HIV (HAART) Clinic in Apac General Hospital.

Abstract

Background The study was done on the Occurrence of Depression among HIV patients attending HIV (HAART) Clinic in Apac General Hospital. Depression is among the most common neuropsychiatric disturbance seen in individual with HIV/AID infection. This psychiatric disturbances is also evidenced in patients attending HAART in Apac General Hospital.

Objectives The broad objectives was to determine the occurrence of Depression among HIV positive patients attending HAART Clinic in Apac General Hospital.

Methods A stratified random sample was used with the use of a standard international questionnaire for assessment of depression which was translated in local language (Luo). It was conducted to patients attending HAART in Apac General Hospital.

Results/ Conclusion The study revealed that the age, religion and occupation of the respondents were necessary factors for depression. It reaffirmed those who were older were more likely to be depressed compared to their younger colleagues. It also exposed that those who had better occupation had less chances of being depressed, but however, the study has also shown that women are more prone to depression than the man.

Recommendation The government of Uganda should consider enrolling persons aged 50-59 without an income welfare support even though eligible for the old age pension grant in a bid to reduce the stress levels hand in hand with a comprehensive approach to all persons living with HIV Aids irrespective to their age brackets.