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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Michael Reece, PhD¹, Enbal Shacham, PhD, MEd², Patrick O. Monahan, PhD³, Violet Yebei, MA⁴, Otieno Omollo, MD⁵, W.D. Owino Ong'Or, MD⁵, and Claris Ojwang⁵. (1) Dept of Applied Health Science, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th St, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, (812) 855-0068, mireece@indiana.edu, (2) Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN 47405, (3) Division of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Cancer Center Pavillion, 380G RT, Indianapolis, IN 46202, (4) Department of Sociology, Indiana University, 130 S. Woodlawn, Bloomington, IN 47405, (5) Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, PO BOX 4606, Eldoret, Kenya

BACKGROUND: It is well known that individuals living with HIV face psychological distress due to HIV-related neurological and pharmaceutical complications, as well as the social and cultural stigmas associated with infection. However, little research in Kenya has focused on the level and nature of psychological distress among HIV-related patient populations. METHODS: Data were collected from 374 individuals living with HIV in Western Kenya who had self-enrolled into the HIV-related psychosocial support group of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention program. RESULTS: More men (20.6%) than women (7.4%) met the clinical criteria for distress on at least one psychological dimension. While approximately 10% of both men and women met the criteria for major depression, the most prevalent issue among men was somatic disorder, for which 18.7% met criteria. Among women, most prevalent other than depression was paranoid ideation, for which 4.9% met criteria. No significant associations between psychological distress and clinical status (CD4 count) were present. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that providers in Kenya may need to pay particular attention to the somatic nature of the psychological distress that was detected among men and may want to create mechanisms that encourage more men to engage with psychosocial support programs. While the proportion of patients meeting clinical criteria was rather low across the entire sample, a focus on enhancing the capacity of Kenya's programs to provide psychiatric assessment and treatment may also be important for those meeting clinical criteria for more intense forms of distress.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Describe the nature of psychological distress that exists among individuals seeking HIV-related care in Kenya.
• Describe strategies for incorporating mental health services into existing HIV-related treatment programs in developing countries.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No