Evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors of perinatal depression among women living with HIV in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

IntroductionDepressive disorder is a common mental health issue among perinatal mothers living with HIV, potentially leading to significant despair and anxiety. This condition can hinder maternal-infant bonding and undermine efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Despite its importance, little is known about the factors associated with depression in this population. Main objectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of perinatal depression among women living with HIV in the Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 HIV-positive pregnant and postpartum women, both with follow-up and newly diagnosed cases, who attended PMTCT services in the East Gojjam Zone Public Hospitals from May 28 to July 12, 2022. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through direct interviews and document reviews. The Edinburgh Perinatal Depression Scale was used to assess perinatal depression which demonstrated high internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha of 0.93). Data were cleaned and analyzed using Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression models were used to identify variables associated with perinatal depression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsOut of 399 eligible women, 394 participated, yielding a response rate of 98.7 %. The prevalence of perinatal depression among these women was 34.3 % (95 % CI: 29.6–39.4). Factors significantly associated with perinatal depression included intimate partner violence (AOR = 4.24, 95 % CI: 2.507–7.168), internalized stigma (AOR = 4.93, 95 % CI: 2.912–9.560), poor social support (AOR = 4.0, 95 % CI: 1.693–9.560), and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 3.65, 95 % CI: 1.774–7.519). ConclusionApproximately one-third of perinatal women living with HIV experienced depression. Key factors contributing to this included intimate partner violence, internalized stigma, low social support, and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Interventions should focus on enhancing social support, empowering women, counseling on drug adherence, and screening for depression among perinatal women living with HIV.