Understanding anxiety in older people with HIV at Mulago ISS clinic

What is it about?

This study looked at how common anxiety disorders are among elderly people living with HIV who receive care at Mulago ISS clinic, and the factors that may be linked to anxiety in this group. Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes constant worry, fear, and restlessness. For people living with HIV, especially older adults, anxiety can affect their ability to take medicines regularly, attend clinic appointments, and maintain good health. However, little is known about how often anxiety occurs in this group in Uganda. We carried out a cross-sectional study at Mulago ISS clinic, where we enrolled elderly persons living with HIV and assessed them for signs of anxiety disorders. We also collected information on their health, treatment, social support, and other personal factors to see what might increase the risk of anxiety. Our findings show the proportion of older people with HIV who are likely to have anxiety disorders and highlight the factors that contribute to this condition. These factors may include medical issues such as other illnesses, social issues like lack of family support, or psychological issues such as stigma. Understanding these results is important because untreated anxiety can reduce quality of life and interfere with HIV care. By identifying how common anxiety is and the reasons behind it, this study can guide healthcare providers to integrate mental health support into HIV services for elderly persons. This will help improve their overall well-being and ensure better treatment outcomes.

Featured Image

Photo by Jan Krivec on Unsplash

Photo by Jan Krivec on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important because it looks at a problem that is often hidden but has serious consequences, anxiety disorders among elderly persons living with HIV. While HIV care in Uganda has greatly improved with ART, mental health care has not kept pace. People are living longer to old age, yet their mental health needs are frequently overlooked in both research and practice. What makes this work unique is that it focuses specifically on elderly persons with HIV, a group that has received very little attention in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa. Most studies on mental health in HIV populations concentrate on younger adults, leaving a gap in understanding the challenges faced by older people. By showing that 1 in 6 older adults may have anxiety disorders, this study brings attention to an urgent issue. The findings are timely because Uganda is experiencing a growing population of elderly persons living with HIV due to successful treatment programs. Unless mental health challenges like anxiety are identified and addressed, progress in HIV care may be undermined by poor adherence, low quality of life, and worse health outcomes. This research can make a difference by guiding health workers, policymakers, and program planners to integrate mental health screening and support into HIV care for elderly persons. It also highlights the role of reducing stigma, strengthening family support, and promoting financial empowerment. Together, these strategies can improve both mental well-being and HIV outcomes, filling a critical gap in care.

Perspectives