TITLE:
Factors Associated with Depression among People Living with HIV in 2 Hospitals in Ebolowa, Cameroon; A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Christian Eyoum, Enesta Moba Yentoh, Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo, Ulrich Boris Bisay Souhe, Yannick Messakop, Michel Ekono, Annick Mélanie Magnerou, Richy Feudjio, Jonas Guy Basseguin Atchou, Charlotte Tchente Nguefack
KEYWORDS:
Depression, HIV, Viral Load, Adherence, Social Support, Cameroon, Comorbidity
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.16 No.2,
March
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Depression is a critical psychiatric comorbidity among People Living with HIV (PLWHIV), recognized as an independent risk factor for poor ART adherence and clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and independent predictors of depression among PLWHIV receiving care in Ebolowa, Cameroon. Framework and Methodology: Our study was a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted from [Start Date] to [End Date] among 250 adult PLWHIV attending an HIV treatment center in Ebolowa, Cameroon. Data collected included sociodemographic, clinical (viral load, ART history), and psychological (anxiety, social support) variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of depression. Results: The prevalence of depression was 22.4%. Multivariate logistic regression, poor social support (OR = 2.689, p = 0.004), significantly increased the risk of depression. Factors indicative of good adherence, such as daily ART intake (OR = 0.122, p Conclusion: These findings underscore the central role of successful therapeutic outcomes and social integration in shielding PLWHIV from depression. We recommend integrating routine mental health screening and enhanced adherence support into standard HIV care to address this prevalent comorbidity.