Prevalence and Determinants of Anxiety and Depression among Pregnant Women Living with HIV/AIDS in a Tertiary Hospital South East Nigeria

Background: Pregnancy affects women’s mental health, and women living with HIV are particularly susceptible to psychological illnesses. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression among HIV positive pregnant women in Nnewi, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HIV positive pregnant antenatal attendees in a tertiary hospital in Nnewi. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: The study included 330 participants, of whom all reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Moderate to severe anxiety occurred in more than half of the women; less than half (49.4%) had minimal to low level of anxiety. Minimal to mild depression occurred in 32.1% while 67.9% had moderate to severe depression. IPV is associated with increased odds of anxiety and depression (P > 0.5). Determinants of depression include nulliparity (aOR = 54.0 95% CI 3.9 - 747.6; 0.003), second parity (aOR = 9.395% CI 1.7 - 50.1; 0.009) and gestational age ≤ 28 weeks (aOR = 2.4395% CI 1.02 - 5.76; 0.043). Unemployment (aOR = 0.91 95% CI 0.99 - 0.33; P Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of anxiety and depression among HIV/AIDS pregnant women. It calls for routine screening of mental health problems for all pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS in the study area.