The prevalence of depression among adolescent with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Depression is particularly common among adolescents with HIV/AIDS and has been associated with disruption of the important developmental process, subsequently leading to a wide range of negative mental, physical and psychosocial consequences, as well as poor quality of life in those population groups. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, there are no prior systematic reviews and meta-analytic studies that determined the prevalence of depression among adolescents with HIV/AIDS. Method We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for relevant literature until May 2020. A random-effect meta-analysis was used to pool prevalence rates from individual studies. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneities and to compare the prevalence estimates across the groups. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s quality assessment checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Cochran’s Q and the I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. Results A total of ten studies were included for the final analysis, with 2642 adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Our final meta-analysis showed that more than a quarter of adolescents with HIV had depression [26.07% (95% CI 18.92–34.78)]. The prevalence was highest amongst female adolescents (32.15%) than males (25.07%) as well as amongst the older adolescents aged 15–19 years (37.09%) than younger adolescents aged 10–14 years (29.82%). Conclusion Our study shows that a significant proportion of adolescents with HIV had depression, indicating the imperativeness of intervention strategies to alleviate the suffering and possibly reduce the probable negative ramifications.

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

“…More than 23% of the ALWHIV in the study reported current depressive episodes. Although this rate was a little lower than the 26% pooled prevalence reported in a global studies review [6], it is consistent with the pooled rate of 22% reported in those from sub-Saharan Africa [7]. In addition, 18.9% had an elevated risk of suicide, which is supported by an earlier study that reported 17% among children and adolescents attending a pediatric clinic in Uganda [22].…”

“…These findings thus reiterate the importance of focus on the psychological needs of ALWHIV, as they suffer from similar psychological disorders as the adult living with HIV [6,7]. Depressive disorders and suicidal behavior may impact HIV disease and quality of life [6,7], which makes it important to integrate routine screening into the treatment of ALWHIV.…”

“…Despite the variability in the tools used in measuring these disorders across different settings and geographical regions, depression and the risk of suicide remain high among ALWHIV compared to the general population [23]. These findings thus reiterate the importance of focus on the psychological needs of ALWHIV, as they suffer from similar psychological disorders as the adult living with HIV [6,7]. Depressive disorders and suicidal behavior may impact HIV disease and quality of life [6,7], which makes it important to integrate routine screening into the treatment of ALWHIV.…”

“…Depression and suicidal behavior have been described among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV); however, studies conducted among these individuals are limited [5,6]. For example, a systematic review of global studies found only 10 published articles on depression among ALWHIV [6].…”

“…Depression and suicidal behavior have been described among adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV); however, studies conducted among these individuals are limited [5,6]. For example, a systematic review of global studies found only 10 published articles on depression among ALWHIV [6]. This review reported a pool prevalence of 26% (95% CI 18.9-34.8) among ALWHIV, whilst another review of 15 studies in sub-Saharan Africa reported a pooled prevalence rate of 22% (95% CI for depression and 11% (95% CI 7-16) for suicidal behavior [7].…”