Article Text
Abstract
Background To describe the frequency of any depressive symptom and associated factors among adolescents (10 - 19 years old) living with HIV in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo (RoC).
Methods Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, on antiretroviral treatment, followed in the two Ambulatory Treatment Centers in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, RoC were included in this cross-sectional study. Between April 19 and July 9, 2018, face-to-face interviews were conducted with all participants using a standardized questionnaire that include the nine-item of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Bivariate and multivariable log-binomial model were used to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) assessing the strength of the association between predictors and presence of depressive symptoms defined as PHQ-9 score ≥ 9.
Results A total of 135 adolescents were interviewed. Overall, 67 (50%) were male, 81(60%) were 15–19 years old. PHQ-9 was ≥9 among 52 (39%) of participants. In bivariate analysis, the proportion of participants with PHQ-9 score ≥ 9 was higher among participants who learnt about their HIV status after a prolonged illness; those who reported been sexually active, drinking beer, aged 15–19, stopped school, forget to take antiretroviral treatment more than 2 times in the 7 days preceding the interview, having lost both parents, and not having family support in taking ART and attending HIV care. In multivariable analysis, the following factors remained statistically significant: being 15–19 years old (PR:2.07;95%CI:1.06–4.04), having stopped school (PR:1.60;95%CI:1.06–2.42) and reporting instances of omission to take antiretroviral treatment more than 2 times in the 7 days preceding the interview (PR: 2.06;95%CI:1.23–3.45).
Conclusion The prevalence of depressive symptoms among HIV-positive adolescents is high and is associated with older age, poor compliance, and dropping-out of school. Active screening for depression during routine medical visit and proper management is needed.
Disclosure No significant relationships.