Abstract:
HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most serious health challenges. The aim of this study
was to examine the prevalence of common mental health problems and to assess the nature of
mental health service utilization among people living with HIV/AIDS. It was conducted in
Gondar university hospital. The researcher used quantitative method to achieve the objective of
research. And, hence, quantitative survey study design was applied for this study. A total of 357
study participants were selected from antiretroviral service users at the University of Gondar
Compressive Specialized Hospital using simple random sampling technique. Self-Reporting
Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered, coded and cleaned by using Epi-info
version 7.2.1 and export to SPSS version 20 statistical software for analysis. Descriptive
statistics was employed to show the frequency and distribution of socio demographic
characteristics of the study participant using tables and figures. Binary logistic regression model
was used to identify association between dependent (Prevalence of common mental health
problems) and independent variables (Socio demographic, clinical and mental health service
utilization). The result revealed that the prevalence of common mental health problem among
people living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy in the study setting was 32.77%
from 357 study participants. In the multivariable logistic regression model occupation, presence
of antiretroviral drug side effect and lack of social support were statistically associated with
common mental health problems among people living with HIV/AIDS attending ART at
University of Gondar Compressive specialized hospital. Regarding mental health service
utilization only 60(16.8%) of the study participant were utilizing the mental health service in the
hospital. In this study prevalence of common mental health problem was high but mental health
service utilization was low. The paper recommended that for betterment good health outcome
ART follow-up service has to be linked with mental health service.
