Perceived family support and depression among people living with HIV/AIDS in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Depression is emerging as a highly prevalent psychiatric condition among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Perceived family support (PFS) buffers depression among chronic disease patients. However, a similar relationship among PLWHA is unexplored.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the relationship between PFS and depression among PLWHA in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, depression was measured by Beck Depression Inventory Ia. Perceived family support was measured by Nepali Family Support and Difficulties Scale. The status of depression was compared between 208 PLWHA and 208 HIV-negative participants. The relationship between PFS and depression was examined only among PLWHA.

RESULTS:

Among each of the 208 participants, the number of depressed PLWHA (n = 61,29.3%) was higher than that of HIV-negative participants (n = 13,6.2%; P < .001). Perceived family support had a negative association with depression in PLWHA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08-0.53).

CONCLUSION:

In Nepal, PLWHA display a higher level of depression than HIV-negative people, and a lower level of PFS is associated with depression among PLWHA. Improved family support might be helpful in reducing depression among Nepalese PLWHA.

• Authors: Sadhana Shrestha, Krishna C Poudel, Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, Jun Kobayashi, Basu Dev Pandey, Junko Yasuoka, Keiko Otsuka, Masamine Jimba
• Journal: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care) 2014 May-Jun Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 214-22 ISSN: 2325-9574 [Print] United States
• PMID: 22993234 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Depression (diagnosis, psychology)
• Family
• Female
• HIV Infections (psychology)
• Humans
• India
• Logistic Models
• Male
• Residence Characteristics
• Social Stigma
• Social Support