Awareness and knowledge of integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTC) counsellors about depression among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): A descriptive study from Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Depression among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is highly prevalent and it is associated with increased morbidity, poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and poor psychosocial outcomes. To address this, integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTC) counsellors provide psychosocial support to PLHIV. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of ICTC counsellors about depression and its management. A total of 338 (n = 452) ICTC counsellors participated in the study. A demographic data sheet and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Results: More than half of the participants reported that biochemical imbalances cause depression. 71.60% and 79.59% of participants reported that depression was common among PLHIV and required immediate attention. 92.60% of counsellors reported that a combination of counselling and medication would be effective to treat depression. 86.98% and 81.95% of counsellors were confident and actively screened for depression among PLHIV, and 78.11% of counsellors had access to a psychiatrist. In contrast. One-third of participants had difficulties working with PLHIV, and 55.56% of participants expressed that addressing issues of PLHIVs’ depression to be left to mental health professionals. Conclusion: ICTC counsellors had adequate knowledge about depression and its symptoms. However, lack of knowledge on intervention strategies, time constraints and work targets are significant barriers. These findings suggest that training on mental illness screening; brief intervention strategies may help counsellors to assist PLHIV in overcoming depression complications.