Depressive symptoms, HIV-related stigma and ART adherence among caregivers of children in vulnerable households in rural southern Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Few studies have explored the association between depressive symptoms, HIV infection and stigma in vulnerable populations. The objective of this study is to examine factors associated with depressive symptoms among caregivers living in vulnerable households in Malawi and assess how reported depressive symptoms and other factors affect ART adherence among caregivers who report testing positive for HIV and currently on ART.

Methods

We interviewed 818 adult caregivers of children aged 0-17 years living in vulnerable households in 24 health facility catchment areas in five districts in rural southern Malawi in 2016-2017. Vulnerable households had either economic and food insecurity, or chronic illness. Questions on five depressive symptoms were used. ART adherence was

SUBMITTER: Spielman KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7935323 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature