Abstract

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted at the Fortportal Regional Referral Hospital HIV Clinic in the
Kabarole District of Uganda, the prevalence and risk factors for depression were examined. Using the Kish Leslie
method, 345 people were chosen, of whom 193 (56%) were female and 152 (44%) were male, yielding the necessary
sample size. A high 34.5% of HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic at Fort Portal Regional Referral
Hospital reported having depression. The majority of these individuals had minimal depression (74%), followed by
mild depression (17%), moderate depression (8%), and severe depression (1%), which was the least common type of
depression. The biological, psychological, and social characteristics among participants were all linked to
depression. Low socioeconomic position and stigma were the main risk factors for depression, while adherence to
ART and family-social support were the main protective factors. The study advised raising awareness of stigma,
the value of mental health, and psychosocial assistance among patients, caregivers, and communities