Prevalence of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder and their Contributing Factors among Older People Receiving HIV Treatment in Homa Bay County, Kenya.
Abstract
Mental health disorders have increased substantially over the past two decades and are a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Despite advances in HIV diagnosis, treatment, and management, older people living with HIV remain vulnerable to mental health conditions, particularly depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study examined the prevalence of depression and generalized anxiety disorder among older people receiving HIV treatment in Homa Bay Township Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design guided by the Biopsychosocial Model. The target population comprised 4,288 older people receiving HIV treatment, from whom a sample of 372 participants was selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Face and content validity were established through expert review, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations). Qualitative responses were analysed thematically. A total of 355 participants aged 50 years and above were included in the analysis, representing a response rate of 95.4%. Overall, 47.6% of the participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥10), while 43.4% had moderate to severe generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 score ≥10). Loss of a loved one HIV-related inflammation, sleeplessness stigma and discrimination and opportunistic infections were the most highly perceived factors contributing to depression and anxiety. Participants recommended strengthening counselling and psychological support, integrating routine mental health screening into HIV care, establishing peer support groups among others to improve mental health outcomes. The study concludes that depression and generalized anxiety disorder are common among older people receiving HIV treatment in Homa Bay Township Sub-County.