Researchers from University of Edinburgh Report on Findings in HIV/AIDS

Research findings, 'Prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in HIV-positive outpatients in rural Tanzania,' are discussed in a new report. "HIV/AIDS is associated with significant mental health morbidity in high-income countries, and depression associated with HIV/AIDS has been linked with faster disease progression and reduced drug adherence. However, research on mental health is scarce in sub-Saharan Africa where infection levels are highest," scientists in Edinburgh, the United Kingdom report.

"This cross-sectional study of 220 HIV-positive outpatients at a dedicated Tanzanian HIV/AIDS care centre assessed sociodemographics, clinical variables and prevalence of ICD-10 common mental health diagnoses via a standardised psychiatric questionnaire (the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised). Depression or mixed anxiety and depression was identified in 15.5% of subjects, with 4.5% suffering from other anxiety disorders," wrote K.F. Marwick and colleagues, University of Edinburgh.

The researchers concluded: "This suggests routine HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa should include assessment and treatment of mental health issues."

Marwick and colleagues published their study in Aids Care (Prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in HIV-positive outpatients in rural Tanzania. Aids Care, 2010;22(4):415-9).

For more information, contact K.F. Marwick, University of Edinburgh, The Chancellor's Building, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.


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