Suicidal ideation and attempt among people living with HIV/AIDS in selected public hospitals: Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. HIV/AIDS continues to be associated with an under-recognized risk for suicidal behavior. Suicidal behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS is not only a predictor of future attempted suicide and completed suicide, but it is also associated with poor quality of life and poor adherence with antiretroviral therapy. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in selected public hospitals of Amhara region, central Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was conducted in four public hospitals in North Shewa Zone from May to December 2017. Study population comprised all HIV-infected individuals from Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic. A total of 348 study subjects were recruited using systematic random sampling and 326 completed the interview. Suicidality module from Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was modified to assess suicidal behavior. Crude and adjusted OR was analyzed using logistic regression and the level of significance of association was determined at P value < 0.05. Result A total of 326 (93.7%) study subjects were interviewed. The magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempt was found to be 16% and 7.1%, respectively. Low monthly income, living alone, suicidal thought before knowing seropositive status, family history of suicide, experiencing mild and moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety symptoms, being gossiped sometimes in the last 12 months of the study period due to HIV status and ever use of khat (a psychoactive substance) was statistically significant associated factor with suicidal ideation. And low monthly income, experiencing mild and moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety symptoms, being gossiped sometimes and often in the previous 12 months of the study period due to HIV status and using alcohol currently were significantly associated factors with suicidal attempt. Conclusion Suicidal ideation and attempt among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in this study were higher than prevalence in the general population. This shows suicidal ideation and attempt is a mental health concern of PLWHA and it needs great attention in Ethiopia.

Depression and suicidal behavior among adolescents living with HIV in Botswana: a cross-sectional study

“…Alcohol use had been linked to suicidal behavior as PLWHIV with drinking problems were more likely to have suicidal behavior [35]; this finding was replicated in the present study among adolescents. Against the popular belief that alcohol numbs psychological pain, it is a depressant that enhances the prevailing mood and promotes negative thoughts such as hopelessness and suicidal behavior [36].…”

Suicidality Among People Living With HIV From 2010 to 2021: A Systematic Review and a Meta-regression

“…The prevalence of suicidal ideation among PLHIV with depression in the included studies was 36.4% (2,8,10,26,42,44,47,50,51,58).…”

“…The prevalence of suicidal ideation among PLHIV with depression in the included studies was 36.4% (2,8,10,26,42,44,47,50,51,58). People with HIV and depression were found to have a higher suicidal ideation and attempt risk.…”

“…In terms of suicidal behavior among PLHIV, 14 studies (2,11,31,43,44,47,50,52,55,56,58,59,61,62) assessed both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, 33 studies (2,(8)(9)(10)(11)20,(23)(24)(25)(26)31,33,(42)(43)(44)(45)(47)(48)(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56)58,59,(61)(62)(63)(64)(65) measured only the prevalence of suicidal ideation, 17 studies (2,11,31,43,…”

Demographic profile of patients and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour in a South African district hospital

“…The strong connection between HIV/AIDS and suicide is a major concern in South Africa, due to the soaring HIV rate in the country; and particularly among younger adults. 56 Unfortunately, the data on the HIV status of our participants were not captured. The high correlation between physical and mental illness and suicidal behaviour highlights the importance of early screening, detection, treatment and management of these illnesses.…”