Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study from Eastern Sudan

Background: Depression is a major psychiatric comorbidity among people living with HIV (PLWH), particularly in low-resource settings where stigma, socioeconomic hardship, and limited mental health services remain significant challenges. This study assessed the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among PLWH in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 84 HIV-positive adults attending the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Center in Gadarif between February and May 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-I (BDI-I), with scores ≥21 indicating clinically significant depression. Data were analyzed using SPSS with a significance level of p 0.05. Results: Participants had a mean age of 38.5 (SD ±8.3) years, and 61.9% were female. Clinically significant depression was identified in 52.4% of participants, and 25% experienced severe depression. Higher depression scores were significantly associated with being diagnosed within the last 3–6 months (p = 0.025) and being on antiretroviral therapy for less than six months (p = 0.030). Female participants also had significantly higher depression scores than males (p = 0.026). Suicidal ideation was reported by 22.6% of participants, with intentions significantly associated with female gender, unemployment, and HIV Stage 2–3. Conclusion: Depression is highly prevalent among PLWH in Eastern Sudan, particularly among women, newly diagnosed patients, and those early in treatment. Integrating routine mental health screening and psychosocial support into HIV care services is essential to improve overall outcomes.