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Abstract
Background: Depression is significant disease burden and associated with poor health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIVs) globally. Majority of them are under diagnosed and untreated. Depression is also linked with poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence causing ART inefficient and has a negative impact on the quality of life among PLHIVs. Objectives: This study aims to explore the prevalence of depression and potential associated factors among PLHIVs attending ART centers in Yangon region, Myanmar. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted at public ART centers of Yangon region, Myanmar. A total of 425 PLHIVs were interviewed with pretested structured questionnaires. Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess the depression symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was administered to determine the potential associated factors for depression. Results: The prevalence of depression among PLHIVs was 30.12% (95% CI = 25.74-34.49). The older age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 5.74; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.01-32.50), low education level (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.11; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.01-0.85), unemployment (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.81; 95% CI = 1.39-5.67), poor patient-provider relationship Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.82; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.01-3.30), lack of satisfaction (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 4.61; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.03-10.46), and lack of exercise (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.51; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.93-6.38) were found to be associated with depression. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the clinic attendees at the public ART centers were found to have depression. It should be noted by the policy makers and program managers to establish early diagnosis and prompt treatment to achieve the better quality of life among PLHIVs.