The Pattern Of Mental Symptoms In Patients With Hiv/Aids Seen At A Teaching Hospital In Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Reports from studies in developed countries indicate that mental disorders seem to be commonly associated with HIV/AIDS. Objective: In this study our major aim was to determine the pattern of mental symptoms in patients with HIV/AIDS seen at the NAUTH. Methods: Patients confirmed to have HIV/AIDS were registered in the special HIV/AIDS clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. By use of the random table numbers, 347 of 900 patients were selected and assessed by trained research assistants using a translated vernacular (Igbo) version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ – 28). The conventional scoring of 0011 was adopted with enquiry as to the time of onset of positive GHQ – 28 symptoms in relation to the time of diagnosis/recognition of HIV/AIDS. Results: Using a cutoff score of 5 on the GHQ-28, 41.2% of the patients had mental morbidity. Of the 203 females, about 39% had mental morbidity whereas nearly 44% of the 144 males had mental symptoms. In the 4 subscales of GHQ – 28 the commonest symptoms reported were anxiety, worry, tension, hopelessness, depression, feelings of incompetence and difficulty with coping. Conclusion: A wide range of psychological/psychiatric symptoms occurs in a sizable proportion of patients who have HIV/AIDS. Mental health treatment should be an integral part of the management of patients with HIV/AIDS. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Mental/psychiatric symptoms, Nigerians.Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 11 (2) 2007: pp. 31-37