Publications

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at the Fortportal Regional Referral Hospital HIV Clinic in theKabarole District of Uganda, the prevalence and risk factors for depression were examined. Using the Kish Lesliemethod, 345 people were chosen, of whom 193 (56%) were female and 152 (44%) were male, yielding the necessarysample size. A high 34.5% of HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic at Fort Portal Regional ReferralHospital reported having depression. The majority of these individuals had minimal depression (74%), followed bymild depression (17%), moderate depression (8%), and severe depression (1%), which was the least common type ofdepression. The biological, psychological, and social characteristics among participants were all linked todepression. Low socioeconomic position and stigma were the main risk factors for depression, while adherence toART and family-social support were the main protective factors. The study advised raising awareness of stigma,the value of mental health, and psychosocial assistance among patients, caregivers, and communities