Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Social Support in Patients with HIV/AIDS
Introduction: The most common mental disorder in patients with HIV/AIDS is depression. However, it is considered to be underdiagnosed and under-treated in HIV positive patients.
Objective: To identify the presence of depression, suicidal ideation and the perception of social support in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Methodology: Cross-sectional study with 626 HIV positive patients assisted at the Central Hospital in Nampula. Sociodemographic variables, depressive symptomatology, diagnosis of depressive disorder and social support were studied. Bivariate analyzes were performed to determine the relationship between lack of social support, the presence of depression, and suicidal ideation.
Results: The frequency of depressive symptoms and depressive disorder was 43.8% and 27.5% respectively. The most frequent nosological diagnoses were: major depressive disorder and adjustment disorders. 19.6 % of the patients had suicidal thoughts and 27.5% did not have the support of relatives, partners or other close people. Lack of social support was significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms, with the diagnosis of some depressive disorder and the presence of suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: Depression is frequent in HIV positive patients. Lack of support on the part of the couple, family and other close friends is significantly associated with the presence of depression and suicidal ideation.
Keywords: Depression, HIV, social support, suicidal ideation
Citation: Machado AV, Mukamutara J, Lora RMS, Gonza lez RME. “Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Social Support in Patients with HIV/AIDS”. SVOA Neurology 2:5 (2021) Pages 140-147.
