Prevalence and Predictors of Depression Among People Living with HIV Attending an Outpatient’s Clinic at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Yaba Lagos
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1012-5719Keywords:
Depression, Prevalence, Predictors, HIV/AIDSAbstract
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 was used to determine the prevalence of depression. Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test) engaged 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.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Musa Sanni Ladan, Akeem Blessing Lateef, Ayodele Oyinlola, Imeh Christian
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