Depression is a common mental health condition among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and can negatively affect treatment adherence and quality of life. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of depression among PLHIV attending the outpatient clinic of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos State. A cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. A total of 371 adult PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were selected using Purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire which included socio-demographic characteristics, clinical and psychosocial factors, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for measuring depressive symptoms. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of depression. Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test) were used to examine differences in depression scores across gender, marital status, and age groups. Spearman’s rank correlation was applied to assess the relationship between monthly income and depression, while multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression. The findings revealed that the prevalence of depression among the respondents was (17.85%). Significant differences in depression scores were observed across gender, marital status, and age groups (p < 0.001). Monthly income showed a weak but significant negative correlation with depression. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age and HIV-related stigma were significant predictors of depression, while other variables such as income, occupation status, duration on ART, substance use, and social support were not statistically significant. The study concludes that depression is prevalent among PLHIV attending NIMR, with younger age and HIV-related stigma being major predictors. Routine depression screening and stigma-reduction interventions where recommended as part of comprehensive HIV care.
Table of Contents
1.0 Background of the study
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Statement of problems
1.3 Aims and Objectives
1.4 Research Hypotheses.
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of study
1.8 Limitation of the study
1.9 Definition of Terms
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Prevalence of depression in PLWH
2.3 Key Observations
2.4 Sociodemographic predictors
2.5 HIV / clinical predictors
2.6 Psychosocial predictors
2.7 Behavioural/psychological predictors
2.8 Magnitude and importance
2.9 Predictors: patterns and implications
2.9.1 Screening and intervention implications
2.9.2 Gaps and limitations
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Study Design
3.2 Study Setting
3.3 Study Population
3.4 Sample Size Determination
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6 Data Collection Tools and Procedures
3.7 Data Analysis
3.8 Eligibility Criteria
3.9 Ethical consideration
3.9.1 Pilot study
3.9.2 Reliability Analysis
4.0 Results
4.2 Prevalence Rate
4.3 Duration on ART
4.4 Hypotheses Test
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Recommendations for Healthcare Providers and ART Programs
Research Objective and Core Themes
The primary aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and identify its associated sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, providing an evidence base for integrated mental health interventions.
- Prevalence estimation of depressive symptoms among adult PLHIV.
- Identification of sociodemographic risk factors including age, gender, and income.
- Analysis of psychosocial predictors with a focus on HIV-related stigma.
- Evaluation of the relationship between depression and clinical HIV indicators.
- Development of recommendations for routine mental health screening in HIV care.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Introduction
Since its identification in the early 1980s, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has evolved into a major global public-health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. HIV undermines the immune system by targeting CD4 cells critical components of immune defense thereby increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers (Oyapero et al., 2023). In the absence of treatment, HIV advances to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), characterized severe immune-deficiency and life-threatening complications. Efforts such as MDG 6 whose targets included halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and achieving universal access to treatment have led to important gains in HIV prevention and treatment (MDG Monitor, n.d.). However, the HIV epidemic persists and is now shifting to a chronic disease paradigm, bringing new burdens beyond mere viral control. The burden of depression in this population is compounded by HIV-related stigma, social isolation, medication side effects, poverty, and fear of disease progression (Molapo et al., 2025). Recent studies conducted across sub-Saharan Africa and other low-resource settings have shown high prevalence rates of depression among PLHIV. For instance, in rural Nigeria, Adedeji et al. (2023) reported a significant correlation between depressive symptoms and sociodemographic factors such as gender, marital status, and education. Similarly, Lukumay et al. (2022) found that newly diagnosed PLHIV in Tanzania exhibited high levels of moderate to severe depressive symptoms, especially those with limited social support. In Southeast Ethiopia, nearly half of PLHIV attending ART clinics experienced depressive symptoms, often influenced by stigma and a lack of family
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Background of the study: Provides an introduction to the global HIV crisis and establishes the rationale for examining the psychological burden of depression within the HIV-positive population.
2.0 Literature Review: Synthesizes existing research on the prevalence and multifactorial predictors of depression among PLHIV, highlighting the roles of stigma, socioeconomic status, and clinical factors.
3.0 Methodology: Outlines the cross-sectional study design, sampling techniques (purposive), and statistical methods (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple linear regression) used for data analysis.
4.0 Results: Presents the primary data on the prevalence of depression and the statistical testing of research hypotheses regarding sociodemographic and clinical predictors.
5.1 Summary of Findings: Summarizes the key results, confirming the prevalence of depression among study participants and identifying younger age and stigma as primary predictors.
Keywords
HIV, Depression, Prevalence, PLHIV, Mental Health, Antiretroviral Therapy, Psychosocial Predictors, HIV-related Stigma, Sociodemographic Factors, Quality of Life, Statistical Analysis, Clinical Predictors, Healthcare Integration, Sub-Saharan Africa, Screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
This research evaluates the prevalence of depression and identifies key sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The study covers the intersection of HIV management, mental health, socioeconomic impacts, the influence of stigma, and the effectiveness of current ART programs in addressing psychosocial needs.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary aim is to determine depression prevalence rates and build a predictive model to help healthcare providers implement evidence-based, integrated mental health support for HIV patients.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilizes a cross-sectional design, employing a structured questionnaire and the PHQ-9 tool for assessment, alongside rigorous statistical analysis including Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple linear regression tests.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main sections cover the background of the HIV-depression link, a comprehensive review of relevant global and local literature, detailed methodology, data presentation, and actionable recommendations for clinical practice.
Which keywords define this study?
Core keywords include HIV, Depression, Prevalence, PLHIV, Mental Health, ART, Stigma, and Psychosocial Predictors.
What is the significance of the 17.8% prevalence finding?
This finding demonstrates that depression is a significant, measurable concern among the patients at the studied NIMR clinic, providing the necessary justification for routine screening protocols.
Why are younger patients found to be more at risk?
The data suggests that younger participants may face higher psychological distress due to social factors such as fear of disclosure, socioeconomic instability, and greater impact of stigma compared to older patients who have developed adaptive coping strategies.
How does HIV-related stigma specifically impact patient outcomes?
HIV-related stigma is identified as the most significant independent predictor of higher depression scores, demonstrating that perceived rejection and shame have a greater negative impact on mental health than most other variables studied.
- Quote paper
- Imeh Christian (Author), 2026, The Prevalence and Predictors of Depression Among People Living with HIV Attending an Outpatient Clinic at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1715529
