Correlates of depression among caregivers of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Uganda: Findings from the Suubi-Maka Family Study

Abstract

This study uses the baseline (wave 1) data from a four-year (2008–2012) longitudinal study called the Suubi-Maka family economic empowerment intervention for AIDS-orphaned children in Uganda funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (Grant # RMH081763A). Specifically, using baseline data from the Suubi-Maka study, this article provides a contextualized understanding of depression levels among caregivers for AIDS-orphaned children in two rural communities heavily affected by AIDS in Uganda: Rakai and Masaka districts. Using baseline data collected from caregivers of children orphaned by AIDS (N=297) the study examines the factors that influence reported depression levels of caregivers of AIDS-orphaned children in rural communities of Uganda. We specifically use ordinary least squares regression methods. In the analysis we control for several demographic factors, including age, gender, assets, social support, and caregiving status. We find that caregivers' reported economic status and social support system are highly correlated with caregivers' reported depression scores. Specifically, caregivers with cash savings and a strong family support system reported better depression scores. These findings have implications for community development practice and programming. Specifically, the study highlights a need for family economic empowerment programs and, strengthened family support among caregivers for AIDS-orphaned children, especially those caregivers with reported poor mental health functioning.

Keywords:

• depression
• mental health
• HIV/AIDS
• care giving
• orphans
• Uganda

Acknowledgements

The Suubi-Maka Project was supported by Award Number R34 MH081763A from the National Institute Of Mental Health (Fred M. Ssewamala, PI). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute Of Mental Health or the National Institutes of Health.