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HIV Status Disclosure Linked to Mental Health Challenges in Children and Adolescents with HIV in Eastern Uganda

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in Scientific Reports has highlighted the link between HIV status disclosure and mental health challenges in children and adolescents living with HIV in Eastern Uganda. The research, conducted by Busitema University investigators, found that children and adolescents living with HIV who had been disclosed of their HIV status were more likely to experience mental health challenges, including major depression, suicidality, and generalized anxiety disorder. The study also identified older age and internalized stigma as risk factors for mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 23.3% of children and adolescents enrolled in the study had at least one mental health challenge (MHC), with a prevalence of major depression, suicidality, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder at 14.1%, 12.8%, 8.59%, and 1.2%, respectively.
  • Mental health challenges were more common among children and adolescents living with HIV who had been disclosed of their HIV status, with a significant association with major depression and suicidality.
  • Older age (13-17 years) was a risk factor for major depression, while maternal caregiving was protective.
  • Education level above primary school and internalized stigma were risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder.
  • The study concluded that children and adolescents face unique mental health challenges associated with HIV status disclosure, emphasizing the need for sociocultural appropriate interventions to address this gap.

Statistics:

  • 326 children and adolescents were enrolled in the study, with 76 (23.3%) reporting at least one mental health challenge.
  • Prevalence of mental health challenges by age group:

+ 8-12 years: 18.5%

+ 13-17 years: 31.2%

  • Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and p-values for factors associated with mental health challenges:

+ HIV status disclosure (aOR = 2.98, p = 0.018) and suicidality (aOR = 2.72, p = 0.031)

+ Older age (13-17 years) and major depression (aOR = 2.52, 95%, p = 0.001)

+ Maternal caregiving and major depression (aOR = 0.42, p = 0.026)

+ Education level above primary and generalized anxiety disorder (aOR = 2.80, p = 0.030)

+ Internalized stigma and generalized anxiety disorder (aOR = 1.67, p = 0.041)

Sources:

  • Busitema University
  • Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio)
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest
  • NewsRx LLC

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