Risk Factors for Viral Non-Suppression among People Living with HIV and Major Depressive Disorder in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Several studies indicate that depression is associated with nonviral suppression among persons living with HIV (PLWH) using antiretroviral therapy (ART) worldwide. However, among PLWH with major depressive disorder, factors associated with non-viral suppression remain uncertain. We determined the prevalence and identified the factors associated with viral non-suppression among PLWH with major depressive disorder using ART in Northern Uganda. Method: A total of 30 primary care HIV clinics across three northern districts (Gulu, Kitgum, Pader) participated in the study. Using baseline data from the SEEK-GSP study, a cluster-randomized trial in northern Uganda (2016-2019) that involved 1140 PLWH with mild to moderate major depressive disorder; we examined the demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors using standardized questionnaires. Data on viral load was abstracted from clinic records and dichotomized into suppressed (<1000 How to cite this paper: Bulage, L., Akimana, B., Namuli, J.D., Musisi, S., Birungi, J., Etukoit, M., Mojtabai, R., Nachega, J.B., Mills, E.J. and Nakimuli-Mpungu, E. (2022) Risk Factors for Viral Non-Suppression among People Living with HIV and Major Depressive Disorder in Uganda. World Journal of AIDS, 12, 43-54. https://doi.org/10.4236/wja.2022.122004 Received: September 21, 2021 Accepted: April 8, 2022 Published: April 11, 2022