Peer-reviewed article
Prevalence and Determinants of Depression Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women at Risk of HIV in Urban Slums of Kampala.
Amanyire P, Kinyanda E, Kyohangirwe L, Mpango RS, Ssembajjwe W et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined depression among adolescent girls and young women aged 14-24 years living in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda, who are at risk of HIV. Using a cross-sectional survey of 394 young women, researchers found that 7.9% had depression. Depression was significantly associated with marital status, having multiple sexual partners, and having multiple paying sexual partners in the previous three months. The authors call for better depression screening and treatment for this vulnerable population.
Key points
- Depression prevalence among AGYW at HIV risk in Kampala slums was 7.9% (95% CI = 5.6%-11.0%)
- Marital status was significantly associated with depression (P = 0.024)
- Having a high number of multiple sexual partners in the last 3 months was significantly associated with depression (P = 0.029)
- Having a high number of multiple paying sexual partners in the last 3 months was significantly associated with depression (P = 0.005)
- The study advocates for improved depression screening and treatment programmes for AGYW
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study, so it cannot establish causation or determine whether depression leads to risky sexual behaviour or vice versa. The study was conducted only in urban slums of Kampala, so findings may not generalise to rural areas or other settings in Uganda or the region.
Abstract
Adolescents and young women (AGYW) represent 15.1% of the global population and face a heightened risk of depression, especially in low and middle-income countries. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of Depression among AGYW at risk of HIV in urban slums of Kampala. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to assess depression in 394 AGYW (14-24 years) using the Patient Health Questionnaire from January to May 2023. Prevalence was analyzed using proportions and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact, ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U, explored associations. Logistic regression models assessed risk, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test evaluated the model fit. The prevalence of depression was 7.9% (95% CI = 5.6%-11.0%). Marital status (P = .024), having a high number of multiple sexual partners in the last 3 months (P = .029), and having a high number of multiple paying sexual partners in the last 3 months (P = .005) were significantly associated with depression. Thus, advocacy is crucial for improving depression screening and treatment for AGYW.