Depression Among Pregnant Rural South African Women Undergoing HIV Testing

• Published in: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 295; no. 12; p. 1376
• Main Authors: Rochat, Tamsen J, Richter, Linda M, Doll, Helen A, Buthelezi, Nomphilo P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago American Medical Association 22.03.2006
• Subjects: Babies; Black people; Confidence intervals; Data analysis; Health care access; Health services; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Mental depression; Perceptions; Pregnancy; Risk factors; Rural health care; Sample size; Studies; Testing
• ISSN: 0098-7484; 1538-3598
• DOI: 10.1001/jama.295.12.1376

Rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in southern Africa are high, with up to 45% of pregnant women being HIV-positive.1 Depression is associated with lowered adherence to antiretroviral medication2 and poor use of antenatal care.3 It frequently persists into the postnatal period, raising the risk of adverse child outcomes.3 Because little is known about the rates of depression among women undergoing HIV testing in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs (PMTCT), we undertook this prevalence study. A 9-item questionnaire scored in 3 domains (health care access, financial resources, and social support) was used to elicit women's perceptions of the consequences of an HIV diagnosis. Of the 9 specific items, only the perception of discrimination in access to health care and reduced access to household financial resources following an HIV diagnosis were significantly associated with depression at the .025 level (Table 2). Nevertheless, given that maternal depression is associated with adverse effects on use of health services and child development,3 our results raise concern for both maternal and child health in HIV prevention and treatment.