Prevalence and Associated Factors of Common Mental Health Problems and Utilization of Mental Health Services among People Living with HIV/AIDS in University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

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.