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The coexistence of anxiety disorders among women with breast cancer has been linked with delay in diagnosis, treatment abandonment, and poor quality of life. This study investigated anxiety disorders with their determinants among 200 participants with histological diagnosis of breast cancer. A questionnaire was designed to elicit sociodemographic and clinical factors, while the schedule for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry (SCAN) was used to ascertain the presence of anxiety disorders. The mean age of participants was 49.6 years (SD = 11.2) and more than half (54%) presented with advanced cancers (stages 3 and 4). Anxiety disorder was observed in 38 (19%) of the participants. Low income, absence of previous history of breast cancer, and early stage of breast cancer were the significant determinants of anxiety disorders (p< 0.05). However, only absence of previous history of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 3.460, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.200–6.960) and early stage of breast cancer (OR = 1.560, 95% CI = 1.120–2.174) were the determinants of anxiety disorders following logistic regression. We advocate for public awareness to promote early screening. Similarly, there is need to improve access to care and integrate culturally appropriate psychosocial intervention into breast cancer care using the available knowledge on vulnerability factors. Further study on anxiety disorders in breast cancer is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paucity of information on suicide and its related issues among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can impair evidence guided intervention. This study was set to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and the associated risk factors among PLWHA. A total of 295 participants made up of HIV positive individuals were subjected to a sociodemographic/clinical profile questionnaire. This was followed by the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), suicidal intention item from the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL)—Bref scale to assess emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and quality of life respectively. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among PLWHA was 13.6%; and being unmarried, poor medication adherence, and poorer quality of life were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with suicidal ideation; while unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.200; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.084–0.476; P < 0.001), emotional distress (OR = 5.734; 95% CI = 2.119–15.519; P—0.001), religion (OR = 4.829; 95% CI = 1.639–14.231; P—0.004), HIV status non-disclosure (OR = 2.630; 95% CI = 1.015–6.809; P—0.046) and previous suicidal attempt (OR = 0.172, 95% CI = 0.042–0.705; P—0.014) were not only associated but predictive of suicidal ideation in PLWHA. These findings indicate a significant burden of suicidal ideation, and psychosocial with clinical factors constitute identifiable risk factors among PLWHA. The development of evidence guided preventive and treatment measures against suicide among PLWHA are implied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing evidence from research supports the desirability of integration of mental health services into HIV care in order to mitigate the grave consequences of unattended mental health morbidity among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study aims to find out the burden and pattern of psychiatric disorders that is prevalent among HIV-positive individuals attending a Nigerian-based HIV clinic. The study participants, consisting of 295 HIV-positive adults were recruited using systematic random sampling method. The participants were subjected to questionnaire to elicit demographic profile and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) to screen for probable psychiatric disorders. This was followed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Non patient (SCID-NP) to diagnose the presence of psychiatric morbidity in any of the participant with a GHQ-28 score ≥5 and 10% of those with GHQ-28 score <5. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17. Of the 295 participants interviewed, approximately one-quarter (25.1%) of the participants had diagnosable psychiatric illness based on SCID-NP. Depression was the commonest mental disorder detected as 44 (14.9%) met the DSM-IV Axis 1 diagnosis of major depressive disorders. Anxiety disorders, concurrent Nicotine with Alcohol dependence and cannabis abuse were elicited in 24 (8.1%), 4 (1.3%), and 2 (0.7%) participants, respectively. This study finds a higher burden of psychiatric disorders in PLWHA in comparison to what is obtainable in the general population based on previous research works in similar context. Thus further underscores the need for integration of comprehensive psychiatric services into HIV care. We advocate the support and commitment of key stakeholders in HIV care to the translation of this research-based evidence into practice among PLWHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The experience of psychological distress by People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) often impacts the HIV care outcome negatively. This study was set out to determine the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among PLWHA attending an outpatient clinic. Material and methods: Three hundred participants who consented and met the inclusion criteria were recruited using systematic random sampling method. The participants were administered questionnaires to elicit their socio-demographic/clinical profile. This was followed by the administration of 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to assess for the presence of psychological distress. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15 (SPSS-15). Results: Three in every ten participants were observed to experience psychological distress. Socio-demographic and clinical factors, which include lack of family support, unemployment, family history of mental illness and co-morbidity of other medical conditions were associated with psychological distress among the participants (p ≤0.05). On the other hand, factors like being married, absence of other medical conditions and longer duration of Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART) seem protective against psychological distress. Conclusions: The adoption and practice of a holistic approach, with inclusion of psychosocial dimension in the care of PLWHA is advocated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives The occurrence of depression in old age is often linked with grave consequences. The purpose of this study is to investigate the burden of depression and its relationship with perceived social support among the elderly in a West African community setting. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants made up of 350 elders aged 60 years and above were selected through multi-stage random sampling technique. All participants were interviewed with designed questionnaire, multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to elicit socio-demographic profile, social support and depressive psychopathology respectively. Results The participants were largely females (52.9%) and their mean age was 68.8 ± 7.3 years. A little above one-quarter (26.4%) had depressive episode, and mild severity was preponderant. Low level of social support was associated with depression ( χ 2 = 8.418, p = 0.004); especially low social supports from significant others ( χ 2 = 3.989, p = 0.046) and family members ( χ 2 = 4.434, p = 0.035). Similarly, severity of depression in the elderly correlated negatively with availability of social support from significant others ( χ 2 = 5.495, p = 0.019) and family members ( χ 2 = 5.149, p = 0.023). Conclusion Considering the burden of depression in this elderly population and the influential roles of social support especially from family and significant others on depression; strengthening of informal social support and formal social support for the elders is advocated. In addition, design of community based geriatric mental health with social services and articulation of public policy to address old age needs are implied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]