Mental disorders and adherence to antiretroviral treatment in health facilities in Mozambique

IntroductionLess adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been found among people suffering from HIV (PWH) with comorbid mental disorders like depression and alcohol use in Mozambique, a Sub-Saharan African country. However, less is explored with regards to other mental disorders. MethodsThis study assessed the association of multiple mental disorders and adherence to ART based on the data from primary/tertiary health care facilities in Maputo and Nampula, Mozambique. We administered a sociodemographic questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Plus 4.0.0 adapted for use in Mozambique to assess mental conditions, and a 3-item self-report to measure ART adherence. ResultsOut of 1469 participants, 409 were HIV positive (self-report), with an average age of 36.7 years (SD=9.8), and 30.4% were male. The most common mental disorders were major depressive disorder (27.34%) followed by psychosis (22.03%), suicidal ideation/behavior (15.44%), and alcohol-use disorder (8.35%). Higher levels of non-adherence to ART [(Mean Difference=1.19, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.37)] and the likelihood of missing at least one dose in the last 30 days (OR=3.06, 95% CI: 2.00, 4.67) were found in participants with any mental disorder compared to those without a mental disorder. The highest levels of non-adherence were observed among those with drug use disorders and panic disorder. ConclusionsIn Mozambique, PWH with any co-occurring mental conditions had a lower probability of ART adherence. Integrating comprehensive mental health assessment and treatment and ART adherence interventions tailored to PWH with co-occurring mental disorders is necessary to attain optimal ART adherence and reach the UNAIDS ART target.