Intimate partner violence, social support and depression amongst women living with HIV/AIDS at Wakiso Health Centre IV in Wakiso District

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) exacerbates mental health challenges among women living with HIV/AIDS, with depression often being a significant outcome. However, social support networks can serve as crucial buffers against both IPV and depression. The research aim was to investigate the relationship between Intimate partner violence, social support and depression amongst women living with HIV/AIDS. A quantitative correlational research design was employed where 215 women living with HIV/AIDS receiving care at Wakiso Health Centre IV were purposively selected. Researcher administered questionnaires in either English or Luganda and data analyzed through Pearson correlations and process macro using SPSS software. Results indicated that the mean depression score is 12.65 (SD = 7.66), 24.9 % having depression, intimate partner violence (IPV) reveals a mean score of 39.96 (SD = 13.30), with the 15.1% experiencing IPV and Social support scores average at 55.57 (SD = 14.69), 6.3% having low social support. Correlation results reveal several significant relationships among key variables including IPV and Depression (r = .334, p < .001), Social support and depression (r = -.355, p < .001). Higher levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) were associated with increased depression while lower levels of social support were associated with higher depression. In conclusion, the study underscored the negative impact of IPV on mental health and the importance of social support in reducing it. Further research is needed to establish causal relationships and inform interventions.