Prevalence and associated factors of depression among HIV infected patients in Debre Markos town northwest Ethiopia

In the context of HIV/AIDS, depression is an often overlooked but potentially dangerous condition that can influence not only quality of life, relationships, employment, and adherence to medical care, but also perhaps survival. The main aim of this study was to assess prevalence and associated factors of depression among HIV infected patients in Debre Markos town northwest Ethiopia. The prevalence of depression among the study participants was 48(11.7%). Those who live alone were 2.5 times more likely to have depression compared to those who live with their family (AOR = 2.465 (95% C.I: 1.196, 5.078).this finding is in line with findings from different areas. Those who face stigma and discrimination from the community were 3 times more likely to have depression than their counter parts (AOR = 3.42, 95% C.I: 1.628, 7.188); supported by other findings. Patients who had experience of quitting work were also more depressive (AOR = 2.73, 95% C.I: 1.778, 6.329). Variables like living condition, presence of stigma and discrimination, presence of positive social support and experience of work quitting were independent determinants of depression among HIV infected patients in the study area.