| dc.description.abstract | Background: Due to the increase in longevity and use of antiretroviral treat ment, Uganda has had a growing population of older persons living with
HIV/AIDS. However, there is a paucity of information on the mental health
of the elderly living with HIV/AIDS. In this cross-sectional study, we deter mined the prevalence of, and associated factors for depression and suicidal
ideation among older persons living with HIV/AIDS in Mbarara city, south west Uganda. Methods: Older persons (150 females, 115 males), with mean
age = 64.2 (±5.1) years, accessing health services from three purposively se lected HIV/AIDS care centers in Mbarara city, southwest Uganda were re cruited. Data on depression and suicidal ideation were collected using a Pa tient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) validated in Uganda, and a structured
questionnaire was used to collect data on clinical and socio-demographic
characteristics. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Results: Ap proximately 8.3% and 12.1% had depression and suicidal ideation, respec tively. The factors associated with lowering the likelihood of depression were:
an increase in the number of family members they stayed with and having no
having any problems with their ARVs. On the other hand, earning more than
100,000 Uganda shillings was associated with reducing the risk of suicidal
ideations among the participants. Conclusion: Approximately 8 to 12 in 100
older persons living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda have experienced depression
or suicidal ideation. Family support and financial control were instrumental
factors associated with depression and suicidal ideations, respectively. We
recommended strengthening family structures and creating more avenues for financial independence among older persons living with HIV/AIDS to reduce
the burden of depression, and suicidal behaviours among this vulnerable population. | en_US |
