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Amir Kabunga,1 Eustes Kigongo,2 Samson Udho,3 Anna Grace Auma,3 Raymond Tumwesigye,3 Marvin Musinguzi,4 Walter Acup,4 Anne Ruth Akello,2 Ponsiano Okalo,1 Jannat Nabaziwa,4 Enos Mwirotsi Shikanga,5 Namata Halima6 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 2Department of Environmental Health and Disease Control, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 3Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 4Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 5Department of Education Psychology, Moi University, Eldoret City, Kenya; 6Department of Mental Health, Makerere University, Kampala City, UgandaCorrespondence: Amir Kabunga, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, P.O Box 1035, Lira City, Uganda, Tel +256777929576, Email akabunga@lirauni.ac.ugBackground: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global public health issue, profoundly impacting infected individuals. Living with HIV involves complex mental health dynamics, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being a prevalent challenge. This study aims to examine the correlation between PTSD and quality of life among HIV-positive individuals in western Uganda.Material and Methods: Conducted between May and July 2023, this facility-based cross-sectional study surveyed 439 participants from four HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires, analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression (p< 0.05).Results: Respondents had a mean age of 40.6 years, with 68.3% female, 54.9% married, and 55.1% lacking formal education. The reported PTSD prevalence among HIV-positive individuals was 33.7%, significantly correlating with reduced overall quality of life (β = − 4.52; p< 0.001). The social quality of life had the highest mean score of 14.24 (± 3.45) while the environmental quality of life had the lowest mean score 11.89 (± 2.68).Conclusion: Our study reveals a concerning prevalence of PTSD, affecting 1 in 3 individuals, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive mental health support within HIV care settings. We observed a significant negative impact of PTSD on overall quality of life, particularly in physical and social aspects. Integrating mental health screening into routine HIV care is crucial, using validated tools like the PSTD Checklist Civilian Version, alongside training for healthcare providers to recognize PTSD symptoms in the context of HIV diagnosis and treatment.Keywords: HIV, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, quality of life |
