Prevalence and co-relates of depression among older people infected and affected with HIV in rural South Africa

Little is known about depression in older people in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: Examine the prevalence and correlates of depression; explore the relationship between depression and health perceptions in HIV-infected and-affected older people. Methods: In 2010, 422 participants aged 50+ were recruited into a cross- sectional study. A diagnosis of depressive episode was derived using Composite International Diagnostic Interview (Depression module) using the International Classification of Diseases diagnostic criteria and categorised as major (MDE) or brief (BDE). Results: Overall, 42.4% had a depressive episode (MDE: 22.7%; BDE: 19.7%). MDE was significantly higher in HIV-affected than HIV-infected participants; the opposite was the case for BDE. Women (aOR3.04), government grant receipients(aOR0.34), and care-givers (aOR2.37) were significantly associated depression. Participants with a depressive episode were 2–3 times more likely to report poor health perceptions. Study limitations include the cross-sectional design, limited sample size and possible selection biases. Conclusions: Major depressive episodes were higher in HIV- affected than HIV-infected participants. Psycho-social support similar to that of HIV treatment programmes around HIV-affected older people may be useful in reducing their vulnerability to depression.