1. Prevalence of Depression amongst HIV Infected Adolescents in Malawi
M.H. Kim, A.C. Mazenga, A. Devendra, S. Ahmed. C. Sharp, J.K. Mhango, M. Bvumbwe, M. Machika, W. Kamiyango, A. Munthali, P.N. Kazembe
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2. Background and Study Aims
As countries scale up pediatric services in Southern Africa, the number of Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHA) is rising
Depression in HIV-infected persons is the most commonly occurring psychiatric disorder and is associated with poor treatment outcomes (HIV Clinical Resource, 2010, AVERT, Do et al, 2010; Gonzalez et al, 2011; Holzemer et al, 1999 & Reda & Biadgiligin, 2012, Carrico et al, 2011; Holzemer et al
Scarcity of data regarding depression in youth in Malawi hinders the development of appropriate interventions.
Study Aim: To estimate the prevalence of depression amongst adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old vertically infected with HIV in Malawi
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3. Methods Study Design: quantitative cross-sectional study
Study population: convenience sample of adolescents 12 – 18 years vertically infected with HIV presenting to care at the Baylor Clinic (Central Malawi), and Zomba Central Hospital ART clinic (Southern Malawi)
Data collection:
Depression Screening Tools
Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) – II (Beck et al, 2006).
Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) II-Short (Kovacs, 2004).
*Gold Standard: Children’s Depression Rating Scale-revised (CDRS-r)
Socio-demographic, Behavioral & Adherence Questionnaire (SDBAQ)
Medical Data Extraction Form (MDEF)

4. Results Recruited 562; 56% (315) female; 44% (247) male
Mean age was 14.5 yrs
Suicidal symptoms expressed in 7.2% (40) of the participants
1.1% (6) actively suicidal at the time of interview

5. Results Prevalence of Depression by Screening Tool
Depression Screening Tool
Total %(n),
N=562
Female %(n), N=315
Male %(n), N=247
P-value
BDI-II
(cut-off = 17)
25.6%(144)
28.9%(91)
21.5%(53)
<0.05
CDI-2 short
(cut-off = 65)
20.8%(117)
19.7%(62)
22.3%(55)
=0.45
CDRS – R
Clinical assessment
(cut-off = 55)
18.9%(106)
21.6(68)
15.4%(38)
=0.06
- Make sure tables are same format/color
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6. Closing Remarks
High prevalence of depression amongst Malawian adolescents vertically infected with HIV in this setting, highlights the need for screening and availability of treatment services for adolescents living with HIV & AIDS
Convenience sample of adolescents at two metropolitan clinics, not necessarily representative of adolescents throughout Malawi
Currently analyzing the psychometric properties of the screening tools for use in ALHA in Malawi
Research on factors associated with depression in ALHA is needed

7. Many thanks to Study participants/caregivers Research Team
Texas Children’s Hospital Global Health program
The Executive Director BCM-CFM, Dr P. Kazembe
The Hospital Director ZCH, Dr Joshua
The Medical Program Manager and staff, Dignitas International – Zomba
Center for AIDS research (CFAR), Houston, USA
COE Clinicians/doctors/nurses/social workers/psychotherapist
Teen Club Teams from Zomba Central Hospital ART Clinic and Baylor Clinical Centre of Excellence
All Baylor Malawi staff and Zomba Central ART Clinic staff.

8. Thank you for your Attention!