Depression, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and the physical health of people living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Despite the availability of freely prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART), the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still among the leading causes morbidity and mortality in Uganda. The World Health Organization recommends a 95% adherence level to prescribed Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medication for effective management of HIV/AIDS, yet the adherence level in Uganda is as low as 66%, which is below the optimum level. Among the major causative factors for non-adherence is depression which is associated with reduced motivation and loss of interest in life. This study aimed at examining the links between depression, adherence to ART and physical health of people living with HIV (PLHIV). A quantitative correlational research design was used. The study sample comprised of 150 participants, who were PLHIVs aged between 18 to 69 years. The results revealed that depression was a significant predictor of physical health, B = -.560, t = -3.609, p = .001, and adherence to ART, B= -.083, t = -2.705, p = .008. However, adherence to ART was not a significant predictor of physical health, B = -.095, t = -.233, p = .816. As hypothesized therefore, an increase in the severity of depression was associated with poorer adherence and physical health. Although the finding that adherence to ART was not a significant predictor of physical health is contrary to the expectation, the negative relationship between these two variables suggests that individuals with worsening physical health were more likely to adhere to medication compared to those with better health. The findings of this study suggest, PLHIV should be screened and treated for depression, as a strategy for enhancing adherence to ART, and improving physical health.