Psychological Experience of Women Living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital in 2022

Adoua Doukaga T^{1, 2}, Ossibi Ibara BR^{1, 2,} , Bitséne Mpika G^{1, 3}, Obembo G², Bintsindou P¹, Ekat M^{1, 2}, Angonga Pabota E², Bendent Lebaho P², Adoua Ngatsongo PU², Kinga F² and Itoua C^{1, 3}

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville-Congo

²Infectious Diseases Department, Brazzaville Congo University Hospital

³Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Brazzaville Congo

Cite this paper:
Adoua Doukaga T, Ossibi Ibara BR, Bitséne Mpika G, Obembo G, Bintsindou P, Ekat M, Angonga Pabota E, Bendent Lebaho P, Adoua Ngatsongo PU, Kinga F and Itoua C. Psychological Experience of Women Living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital in 2022. American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. 2023; 11(2):25-29. doi: 10.12691/ajidm-11-2-1

Abstract

Objective. Evaluate the psychological experience of women living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital. Patients and Method. 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. Results. Eighty patients (8,4%), mean age 45.92 ± 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). Conclusion. 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.

Keywords:
HIV Psychology women Brazzaville

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