A study by Department of Psychiatry, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), has revealed depression among women living with HIV/AIDS in north Karnataka remains under-diagnosed and under-treated and has negative impact on adherence and immunity, leading to rapid progression of the infection.
According to Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Shivanand B. Hiremath, who took up the study under the guidance of Head of Department Mahesh Desai, the aim was to assess the prevalence, socio-demographic correlates of depression such as social support, and quality of life among women living with HIV/AIDS so that programmes for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment could be designed.
Of the 145 chosen for the study, 50 women (34.5%) were found to have clinical depression with 27 (54%) having mild, 21 (42%) moderate, and 2 (4%) having severe depression. Of those suffering from depression, 29 (58%) were from rural areas and 21 (42%) from urban areas.
“Depression was statistically significant in women from rural background. Significant association between depression and risk of social isolation was observed. Scores of all domains of Quality of Living i.e. physical, psychological, social, and environmental were reducing with increase in severity of depression,” Dr. Hiremath said.
The study excluded women with significant acute systemic illness, previous history of psychiatric illness and current substance/alcohol abuse or dependence, pregnant and nursing mothers.
After the interviews that last for 60 to 70 minutes, those diagnosed with depression as per the Beck Depression Inventory scale, were given appropriate treatment at the psychiatry department of KIMS.
“Early diagnosis and treatment of depression is crucial,” Dr. Hiremath said, adding that subsequent follow-up and treatment had improved the quality of life of patients.
