Prevalence and factors associated with depression among adult HIV patients attending ART clinics: a cross-sectional study in Western Bhutan

Depression is highly prevalent among people living with human immunodeficiency virus across the globe. Data regarding prevalence and factors associated with depression among HIV-infected individuals in Bhutan remained unknown. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was undertaken among 103 adult (≥18 years) HIV patients attending anti-retroviral therapy clinics located at four different hospitals in Western Bhutan. Depression was assessed using the translated and validated Bhutanese version of centre for epidemiologic studies depression scale-revised. The overall response rate of our participants was 73.6%. Age of our participants ranged from 23 to 79 (mean = 40.29, standard deviation ± 11.22) years. The overall prevalence of depression among our participants was 27.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.4–35.9). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that females (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.37–11.41) and the poor perceived family support (AOR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.20–9.10) were significantly associated with depression. Divorced, low income, drinking alcohol and CD₄ <200 cells/mm³ had no associations with depression. We recommend mental health interventions to be integrated into routine HIV care in Bhutan for proper management of depression.