Prevalence and factors associated with psychiatric disorders among adults living with human immunodeficiency virus in southwestern Uganda

Background: Psychiatric disorders are common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and negatively affect treatment adherence, quality of life, and clinical outcomes. Evidence from southwestern Uganda remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence of, and factors associated with, common psychiatric disorders (CPDs) among adult PLWH. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 adults attending the HIV clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Uganda, between January and September 2022. Data were collected using validated screening tools and medical record reviews. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with CPDs. Results: The mean age of participants was 35.9 ± 9.0 years, and 55.7% were female. Overall, 28.1% (95% CI: 27.9–28.1) screened positive for at least one psychiatric disorder, and 12.7% had comorbid conditions. Depression (12.2%) was most prevalent, followed by psychosis (11.8%), generalized anxiety disorder (11.3%), and alcohol use disorder (9.0%). Independent predictors of CPDs included being Muslim (aOR = 14.74; 95% CI: 2.28–95.29), cohabiting (aOR = 27.07; 95% CI: 2.49–294.50), having financial liabilities (aOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.05–7.45), and longer duration of HIV infection (aOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00–1.21). Business ownership (aOR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.003–0.50) and higher perceived social support (aOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.14–0.40) were protective. Conclusions: More than one-quarter of adults living with HIV in southwestern Uganda had a common psychiatric disorder. Integrating routine mental health screening and psychosocial support into HIV care is essential.