@article{ajidm20231121,
author={{T, Adoua Doukaga and BR, Ossibi Ibara and G, Bits¨¦ne Mpika and G, Obembo and P, Bintsindou and M, Ekat and E, Angonga Pabota and P, Bendent Lebaho and PU, Adoua Ngatsongo and F, Kinga and C, Itoua},
title={Psychological Experience of Women Living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital in 2022},
journal={American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology},
volume={11},
number={2},
pages={25--29},
year={2023},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajidm/11/2/1},
issn={2328-4064},
abstract={<b>Objective</b>. Evaluate the psychological experience of women living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital. <b>Patients and Method</b><b>.</b> Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study including women aged at least 18 years, infected with HIV during the period from April 1 to September 30, 2022 (06 months) without psychiatric history and consenting to the study. <b>Results</b><b>.</b> Eighty patients (8,4%), mean age 45.92 ˇŔ 14.5 (21-69) years, single (n=33; 41.3%), with secondary education (72.5%), shopkeepers (n=30; 37.5%), urban residents (n=48.7%). Socioeconomic status was low (n=30; 37.5%). The mean duration of HIV infection was 118.7 months. Pre-test counseling had not been carried out (n=66; 82.5%), and HIV had been discovered during a medical check-up (n=47; 58.8%). The serological results were announced by the general practitioner (n=26; 32.5%), the nurse (n=28; 35%). The home-site distance for dispensing ARVs was between 6-10 km in 51.3% of cases. Patients were on the TDF+3TC+DTG (n=35; 43.7%) and TDF+FTC+EFV (n=36; 45%) protocols. The partner's serostatus was unknown (n=41; 51.3%), and the desire to have a child was expressed (n=21; 77.8%). ART (n=34; 42.5%) and avoidance of breastfeeding (n=30; 37.5%) were cited as means of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV status was disclosed within the family (n=50; 62.5%). Tuberculosis was the first opportunistic infection found (n=15; 42.8%) and patients were at WHO stage 4 (n=42; 52.5%). Psychological disorders were anxiety (n=32; 40%) and moderate depression (n=9; 3.7%). Self-esteem was very low (n=26; 32.5%) and low (n=37; 46.3%). Associated factors were: age (P=0.03), level of education (p=0.02), residence (p=0.02) as well as socio-economic level (p=0.02), pre-test counseling not done (p=0.003). <b>Conclusion</b><b>. </b>Loss of self-esteem, anxiety and depression are common among women living with HIV in Brazzaville, and this is linked to stigmatization, low socio-economic level and lack of clear information about HIV. It is therefore important to take mental health into account in the overall care of people living with HIV.},
doi={10.12691/ajidm-11-2-1}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}