Abstract:
Background:
Worldwide, depression contributes to the burden of disease, and also the significant cause of
disability. Literature indicates that adolescents with HIV are particularly at risk for major
depression related to transitioning from childhood to adulthood in addition to dealing with the
social isolation, stigma, and uncertainty associated with their disease. In Rwanda, little is
unknown about the prevalence of depression among adolescents living with HIV.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and factors related to depression among adolescents aged 10 to 19
years living with HIV.
Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. Data was
collected from 102 HIV-infected adolescents, using the Center for Epidemiological Studies
Depression Scale for Children. The study setting included one hospital and two health center of
Gasabo District of Rwanda. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic data.
Bivariate analysis including Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between
demographic variables and depression scores.
Results: The findings of the study showed that 31% of all study participants had symptoms of
depression. Three factors were positively associated with the development of depression (parent
deceased, the person living with the child and the school attendance P<0.05.
Conclusion: The results have demonstrated that adolescents living with HIV are likely to
develop depressive symptoms. Factors such as being an orphan, living with other person who are
not parents, and not attending school were likely to increase the risk of developing depressive
symptoms among adolescents with HIV. There is need to implement programs that are targeting
this particular group to provide and maintain psychosocial support that would reverse the
situation.
