Impact of Counseling on Depression among Older Adults with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

In recent years, the intersection of counseling and mental health has garnered significant attention, particularly among vulnerable populations such as older adults living with HIV/AIDS. A pivotal study conducted in Mbarara, Uganda, provides critical insights into the effectiveness of counseling interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms among this demographic. The research, led by Jordan Mutambi Amanyire, Professor of Public Health at Bishop Stuart University, and published in BMC Psychology on July 27, 2025, involved a sample of 265 older adults (mean age 64.2 years) receiving care at four HIV/AIDS service centers.

Depression is a prevalent mood disorder characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of hopelessness, significantly impacting the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLWH). According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017), untreated depression in PLWH can lead to adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality risk and a higher viral load. The study aimed to assess the role of counseling in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults with HIV/AIDS, using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to evaluate depression levels and additional questionnaires to gauge the perceived benefits of counseling.

The findings revealed that 83.4% of participants reported that counseling helped them cope with their illness, contributing to improvements in self-esteem, medication adherence, and management of illness-related stress. The analysis utilized logistic regression to understand the relationship between counseling frequency and depressive symptoms, emphasizing that regular home visits and consistent interactions with counselors were associated with significant reductions in depression (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.57–13.07, p = 0.019).

Experts in the field, such as Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, highlight the importance of integrating mental health services into primary care, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aligns with previous research demonstrating that structured social support can mitigate the psychological effects of chronic illness. Dr. Johnson notes, "The integration of mental health services into routine HIV care is essential for improving overall health outcomes among older adults."

The Ugandan government acknowledges the challenges faced by older adults living with HIV/AIDS in accessing adequate mental health care. The study's authors suggest that enhancing counseling services, particularly through home-based interventions, can effectively address the mental health needs of this vulnerable population. Dr. Irene Aheisibwe, a co-author from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, emphasizes that "culturally sensitive counseling approaches that involve family members can significantly improve engagement and therapeutic outcomes."

Overall, the study underscores the necessity for policymakers to prioritize mental health interventions in HIV/AIDS care, particularly for older adults. The findings may influence health policy decisions and encourage the incorporation of home-based counseling services into the broader framework of HIV/AIDS care in Uganda. As the number of older adults living with HIV continues to rise globally, targeted mental health interventions will be crucial in improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of counseling on depression and overall health in this population, as well as the feasibility of implementing these interventions on a larger scale.