Identifying Depression Among The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients In University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Author:
Tung Mun Yee
;
Mary Lee Hong Gee
;
Ng Chong Guan
;
John Tan Jin Teong
;
Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Depression, HIV, AIDS, Malaysia, screening tools.
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2009;10(2):135-147
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify depression among HIV-
infected patients attending Infectious Disease Clinic in University Malaya
Medical Centre (UMMC). Methods: This is a cross sectional study on HIV-
infected patients attending Infectious Disease Clinic, UMMC. Those who fulfilled inclusion criteria were recruited and interviewed. Socio-
demographic characteristics and clinical conditions such as mode of transmission, year of diagnosis, CD4+ counts, drug treatment and clinical stage were collected. The patients were then subjected to self-administered questionnaires, Patient Health Questionnaire, (PHQ-9) and Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). Results: 89 patients were recruited. Scores from
PHQ9 showed 32% of depression rate while scores from HADS showed 19%
of depression rate among the respondents. Non-self financial supporter, non-
alcoholic drinkers and females were more likely to be depressed (P<0.05). All clinical characteristics showed no statistical differences. Conclusion: The depression rate was lower compared to those from the studies in western countries. The risk factors for depression were different from those found in other studies as well.
