Social isolation is associated with major depressive disorders among women accessing HIV/AIDS care in Nigeria

HIV infection is associated with a four-fold increase in the occurrence of major depressive disorders. The prevalent lack of a partner and communal support further aggravates the burden of depression among HIV-positive women. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between social support and major depressive disorder (MDD). We conducted a cross-sectional study of 458 adult women accessing HIV care in Nigeria. Data was collected through structured interviews using validated scales for measuring social support and depression. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between social support and MDD..The prevalence of MDD requiring intervention was 5.9%. More than half (52.6%) of the participants were socially isolated. The likelihood of MDD increased by 5% for every point reduction in social support scores (adjusted Odds ratio = 0.950, 95% Confidence interval = 0.918-0.983). Also, time since HIV diagnosis had an inverse relationship with major depressive disorders (adjusted Odds ratio = 0.984, 95% Confidence interval = 0.971-0.998). Social isolation is common among women living with HIV. Social support might protect against major depressive disorders requiring treatment. Social support may, therefore, be a critical success factor for interventions, whether support-focused or broader intervention for major depressive disorders among women living with HIV.