Evaluation of a Depression Intervention in People With HIV and/or TB in Eswatini Primary Care Facilities: Implications for Southern Africa.

Putnis, Nina, Riches, Nick ORCID: 0000-0002-1729-7635, Nyamayaro, Archibald, Boucher, Darah, King, Rebecca, Walker, Ian F ORCID: 0000-0001-5707-6389, Burger, Alett, Southworth, Paul, Mwanjali, Violet and Walley, John (2023) Evaluation of a Depression Intervention in People With HIV and/or TB in Eswatini Primary Care Facilities: Implications for Southern Africa. Global health, science and practice, 11 (2). e2200016-.

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00016

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Depression associated with chronic illnesses is common in Southern Africa, yet there are major treatment gaps. This study assesses the feasibility and acceptability of the Healthy Activity Program intervention for depression among people with HIV and/or TB. The intervention involves training nonspecialist nurses in depression, including identification, counseling based on behavioral activation theory, and structured referral.<h4>Methods</h4>This is a mixed methods evaluation of a pilot counseling service integrated within routine HIV and TB care from 2018 to 2019. Participants included people living with HIV and/or patients with TB in rural Eswatini.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 324 people living with HIV and/or TB were screened for depression, with 19% (62/324) screening positive. The median number of sessions attended was 3 (interquartile range: 1-5), with 16/60 (26%) attending the minimum 5 sessions. Qualitative results indicated acceptability, but there were concerns about feasibility.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The Healthy Activity Program is a promising option to manage the treatment gap for depression in people with HIV and/or TB. However, task-shifting to nonspecialist health care professionals without increasing staff capacity is a barrier to implementation. Realistic and pragmatic assessments of capacity and workforce are essential.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, HIV Infections, Depression, Primary Health Care, Africa, Southern, Eswatini
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	31 Jan 2024 10:11
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2024 10:12
DOI:	10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00016
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.9745/GHSP-D-22-00016
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3178160