Abstract
HIV is major public problem in the world and in Sub-Saharan Region in particular. The literature has shown that mental disorders and particularly depression are common among people living with HIV/AIDS, but that little is known about the prevalence, level of depression and factors associated with it, among people living with HIV/AIDS. The main objective of this study is to assess depression and associated factors among HIV/AIDs patients attending Metu Karl hospital, Ilu Ababora Zone, South west Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was performed to examine depression and associated factors among PLWHA attending Metu Karl Hospital. 387 PLWHA were selected using Simple random sampling technique with response rate of 98%. Data were collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Five data collectors and one supervisor were trained and involved in data collection process. Data were coded, numbered, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Binary and multivariate Logistic regression was performed to determine each factor and how they are associated with depression. The level and prevalence of depression was determined in this study. According to this finding the overall depression was 48% of these, 15%, 24% and 9%were mild, moderate, and severe depression respectively the rest were normal for depression as well as some associated factors were internalized stigma, having CD4 less than 250, being female and less social support. For all the socio-demographic factors, psychosocial factors and HIV medical related factors that were studied, it emerged that being a female and lack of social support, internally stigmatized being single, divorced and widowed were statistically associated with depression. Also the numbers of CD4 counts bellow 250 were statistically associated with depression. Nursing practice and Nursing and public health research and PLWHA are recommended on giving health education for clients, doing research on this area.
