Depression and HIV: Epidemiological and clinical aspects at the Bamako University Hospital (Mali)

Depression plays an important role in clinical worsening, morbidity and mortality related to HIV/AIDS. To describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of depressive disorders in people with HIV in Mali. This prospective study took place in the department of psychiatry and infectious diseases at the Bamako University Hospital from July 2004 through October, 2005 and included all HIV-positive antiretroviral-naive patients with depression, diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria. The study included 84 HIV-positive patients with a depressive disorder; our total population of HIV-positive patients was 316 during the study period, for a prevalence rate of 26.7 % in this population. The mean age of these depressed patients was 36.7 ± 8.5 years (range: 20-57); 63.1% were women, 47.7% had not attended or at least not completed primary school; 66.6% were married, and 92.9% lived in urban areas. Sad mood, anxiety, and refusal to eat were reported by 27.7%, 10.9%, and 9.1%, respectively, as a reason for consultation. Depression was associated with an anxiety disorder in 33 (39.3%) and a delusional disorder in 14 (16.7%). Severe depression was associated with low BMI and at a CD4 count <200 cells/mm³. Depression was found at a high frequency in our study. Its detection, operational research about it, and improved management are recommended to improve the health of people living with HIV.