Depression, social support and adherence to ART among people living with HIV/ AIDS at Wakiso Health Center IV

Abstract

The researcher aimed at exploring the relationship between depression, social support, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV/AIDS. A systematic random sampling strategy was used in the selection of 341 patients aged 18-35 years attending care at Wakiso Health Center IV in Uganda. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire Scale, the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the ART Adherence Scale. A correlation research design was employed and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test the first three study hypotheses and PROCESS macro software was used in testing the fourth hypothesis. The results of this study indicated a significant relationships between depression and adherence to ART (r= -.46, p<0.05), social support and adherence (r=.17, p<0.05), and depression and social support (r= -.27, p<0.05). However, when it came to the fourth hypothesis, regression analysis revealed that social support did not substantially mitigate the link between depression and adherence (B=−0.001, p=.605. In conclusion, this indicated that while depression and social support independently affect ART adherence, social support does not buffer the negative impact of depression on ART adherence. Sensitization on the benefits of addressing depression and enhancing social support from all sources and in all forms may improve ART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS. Integrated psychological and adherence support interventions are recommended to enhance health outcomes in this population.