Depressive Disorder and Associated Factors among Youths Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Public Health Facilities in Jimma City

Abstract

Background: Depressive Disorder is a common mental health problem and growing public health concern in HIV-positive people. This co-occurrence can result in unfavourable health effects, poor levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and further load on physical health. Youth with depressive disorders may struggle to manage their health due to reduced motivation and energy. This, in turn, can lead to an increased rate of hospitalization, which contributes to the economic burden and more medical costs. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depressive disorder and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy user youths in Jimma City public health facility ART clinics, southwest Oromia, Ethiopia, 2025 Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2025 to June 2025. Interviewer -administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The Sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula and data was collected from 379 on antiretroviral therapy user youths out of 386 sample size with response rate of 98.2% all youths attending ART follow-up visits until the required sample size was reached, using the Kobo Toolbox. Data were cleaned, checked, coded, and exported into SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between depressive disorder prevalence and the independent variables. Variables with P value < 0.25 were selected as candidate variables for multi-variable logistic regression. The outputs from the regression analysis were reported at P-Value < 0.05 using an Adjusted Odds Ratio with their 95% CI to show significant association without come variable. Results: 379 study participants were involved, with a response rate of 98.2%,the prevalence of depressive disorder among antiretroviral therapy user youths attending ART clinics in Jimma City public health facilities was 52% (95%CI: 47.6-57.9). Those aged 20–24(AOR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.16–2.87), being female (AOR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.02–2.55), HIV medication improper use (AOR=4.73, 95% CI: 2.47–9.03), low social support (AOR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.64), and youths who experienced perceived stigma (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.02–2.49) were significantly associated with depressive disorder. II Conclusion: Nearly half of HIV-positive youth attending ART clinics were found to have depressive disorder 197(52%). The study identified that older age (20–24 years), female sex, poor adherence to ART medications, low social support, and perceived HIV-related stigma were significantly associated with increased odds of depressive disorder