The Socio-Demographics of HIV-Infected Persons with Psychological Morbidity in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that more than 330 million persons are living with HIV-infection globally and in Nigeria about 3.4 million persons are living with the infection, with an annual death rate of 180,000. Psychological morbidity often accompanies chronic illnesses and may be associated with substance abuse, poor health seeking behaviour and adherence to treatment program; it may worsen existing health problems and the overall quality of life. Until the burden is effectively identified, intervention cannot be planned. Until there is cure, the goal is to manage and cope effectively with HIV-infection. Little if any studies have been done in this area in the North West geo-political zone of Nigeria, the study would help to identify high risk groups and prevent the progression and spread of the infection. Objectives: To identify HIV-infected persons with psychological morbidity, accessing HIV-clinic at Shika Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State; and analyze their socio-demographic profile. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to assess and analyze the socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-infected persons attending Shika hospital Zaria Nigeria, who screened positive for psychological morbidity. A total of 109 HIV-infected persons receiving HAART at Shika clinic, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, were administered questionnaires; the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measuring psychological morbidity and socio-demographic data. The participants ranged in age between 18 and 75 years. Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS software 15. Both descriptive and inferential Statistics were performed on the data. Results indicate a total prevalence rate of psychological morbidity of 78 percent among participants. Of this, about 16.2 percent were severely distressed, 25.1 percent moderately distressed and 36.7 percent were mildly distressed. The females were more likely to be distressed

Correlates and Predictors of Psychological Morbidity in HIV-Infected Persons: A Cross Sectional Study

“…Psychological morbidity was measured on a Likert Scale of 0 -5, where 0 was no distress and 5 extremely distressed. The GHQ had demonstrated good validity and reliability [4]. Brief-COPE (28-item) was also administered to assess dysfunctional coping.…”

“…Study [4] indicates that psychological morbidity was highly prevalent among patients with chronic illnesses generally and HIV infection in particular, affecting more than 40 percent of persons living with HIV-infection. This may have significant influence on HIV-spread and progression.…”

“…For example, lower negative religious coping scores and social support have been shown to predict high HAART adherence scores [6]. To Increasingly, research [4] supports psychological morbidity as a risk factor for both physical and psychological health problems, few if any study has been able to identify it's correlates and predictors, in order to plan adequate and effective intervention, treatment and prevention in chronically-ill patients.…”

Screening of Mental Disorders Related CD4 Count of People Living with HIV/AIDS with Anti-Retroviral Treatment in Medan, Indonesia

“…Women (65%) were more likely to experience psychological distress than men (35%) OR = 3.5 CI 95 per cent. The high level of psychological distress found is related to many factors related to problems in the family, bad culture, stigma, isolation from society and poverty to PLWHA [4].…”