Submission ID 118329
| Issue/Objective | Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions among adolescents globally, with 4.4% of 10-14-year-olds and 5.5% of 15-19-year-olds affected. For adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALWH), the challenges of managing a chronic illness alongside developmental changes can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Untreated anxiety disorders have significant consequences including poor ART adherence, increased HIV transmission risk, lower quality of life and engagement in education and employment. Given the high burden of anxiety among AYALWH and its potential impact on HIV management, this study aims to assess socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics associated with anxiety among AYALWH in Rwanda to inform targeted interventions and improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable group. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024 at health facilities in Kigali and the secondary cities of Musanze, Muhanga, Rubavu and Nyagatare districts. A random sample of 457 AYALWH aged 10-24 years was recruited during their routine HIV clinic visits. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that included validated scales to measure anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9), as well as items on socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-related factors, and psychosocial experiences. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression. |
| Results | Among the 457 participants, 41.5% reported experiencing anxiety at varying levels. Participants who had only completed primary education were 3.61 times more likely to experience anxiety (OR = 3.61, [1.092, 11.914] 95% CI) compared to those less than primary. Additionally, those who experienced forced sex were 2.03 times more likely to experience anxiety (OR = 2.03, [1.013, 4.052] 95% CI) compared to those who did not experience forced sex. Individuals who experienced bullying were 3.32 times more likely to experience anxiety (OR = 3.32, [1.676, 6.595] 95% CI) compared to those who did not |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This study highlights the high prevalence of anxiety among AYALWH in urban and peri-urban Rwanda, highlighting the urgent need for integrating routine mental health screening and targeted interventions into HIV care services. The findings call for policy changes to prioritize mental health as a key component of comprehensive HIV care, particularly for AYALWH. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Felix Kitema CIIC-HIN Kelly Mwiza CIIC-HIN Absolomon Gashaija CIIC-HIN Olivier Ngenzi Wane CIIC-HIN |
