Depression and Medication Adherence Among HIV-Positive Adults Attending Clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State

Comorbid depression in HIV-positive individuals significantly undermines antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, creating compounded clinical challenges in high-burden settings. This study examines the relationship between depressive symptoms and ART adherence among HIV-positive adults attending the HIV clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional design will recruit 200 HIV-positive adults aged 18 and above through systematic sampling from consecutive clinic attendees. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) will assess depression severity, while the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) will evaluate ART adherence. Clinical variables including CD4 count, duration on ART, regimen type, and disclosure status will be extracted from medical records. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses will examine the depression-adherence relationship. Recent Nigerian evidence suggests that depression is highly prevalent among persons living with HIV and is independently associated with suboptimal adherence. Findings will support the integration of psychiatric screening into HIV care pathways at JUTH and inform national HIV treatment guidelines regarding mental health co-management. Keywords: depression, HIV, ART adherence, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State