Psychological correlates of suicidality in HIV/AIDS in semi-urban south-western Uganda

Trop Doct. 2016 Oct;46(4):211-215. doi: 10.1177/0049475515623110. Epub 2016 Jan 5.

Abstract

There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of suicidality in HIV/AIDS, and associated psychological factors in sub-Saharan Africa, shown to be high in Uganda. Yet, the region accounts for over 70% of the world HIV burden. Our study used a cross-sectional survey of 226 HIV-positive (HIV+) adults and adolescents (aged 15-17 years) in Mbarara, Uganda. The relationship between suicidality and depressed mood, anxiety symptoms, state anger, self-esteem, trait anger and hopelessness was examined; anger was the predominant factor in suicidality, suggesting that anger management could potentially lower the prevalence of suicidality.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; Suicidality; Uganda; psychological correlates; suicidal attempt; suicidal ideation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anger*
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Self Concept
  • Suburban Population
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Uganda / epidemiology
  • Young Adult