Prevalence and Determinants of Depression in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Pregnant and Postpartum Women in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Clare Kyomuhendo, Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS), University of Ghana
Stephen O. Kwankye, University of Ghana
Faustina Frempong-Ainguah, Regional Institute for Population Studies/University of Ghana
Lily N. A. Kpobi, 1University of Ghana, Regional institute for Population Studies, P.O. Box 96, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Although depression exists in prenatal and postpartum mothers regardless of HIV status, being HIV positive during these periods exposes women to double burden experiences, as they have to deal with an HIV diagnosis, which causes depression itself at the same time dealing with stress that comes with pregnancy and childbirth. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of depression in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant and postpartum women in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda.Using mixed method research design, quantitative data was collected from 497 prenatal and postpartum women in two urban Ugandan communities. Qualitative data to understand the women’s prenatal and postpartum experiences was collected from thirty-seven (37) women and key informants. Generally, the findings show a higher depression prevalence (64.4%), with a greater depression rate (65.8%) reported in pregnant women than those who had recently given birth (63.2%). Nonetheless, women living with HIV displayed pronounced depressive symptoms compared to HIV-negative counterparts. Factors associated with prenatal and postpartum depression included HIV positive status, being aged 15–24 years, lack of social support, food insecurity, having no dependents, multigravida status, complications after delivery, currently working, violence and abuse, and family alcohol use. There is an urgent need to integrate routine screening for depression into prenatal and postpartum women in HIV care.

Keywords: Mixed methods research, Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Fertility

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