Prevalaence of depression and its correlates among orphans within Bangwe township-Blantyre Khwima Esther Gondwe Psychiatric Nurse, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre

INTRODUCTION 15 million children orphaned by HIV globally Over 1 million orphans in Malawi, 50% of whom are due to HIV / AIDS Orphaning defined as loss of one or both biological parents under age 18 Orphans face a wide range of psychological issues AIDS stigma has negative impact on orphans Depression is the main psychological impact of orphan hood

Methods Cross sectional Quantitative study Study conducted in Bangwe Population: Orphaned children aged Systematic sampling technique was used 216 orphans sampled for the study Data collection using structured questionnaire CES-DC was used to screen orphans for depression Translated into Chichewa but not validated in Malawi

RESULTS

Prevalance of depression

DEPRESSION AMONG AGE GROUPS

Prevalence of depression among orphans of different areas of residence

Gender 50% Males, 49.5% females No difference between females and males in the prevalence of depression

Discussion High prevalence of depression (53%) due to multiple stressors Finding have shown that depression increases with age. Older children were more depressed than younger ones Gender – no significant impact on depression Highly populated are more associated with prevalence of depression.

Discusion Orphans with poor social support were more depressed than who had a high social support Orphans sourcing social support from non close relatives had more depressive moods.

CONCLUSION Depression is an important health problem amongst orphans in Malawi More research studies are needed. Need for improved recognition and interventions for depression in this vulnerable group. The CES-DC tool which was used in the study has not been valited in Malawi.

Acknowledgements Charles Masulani Mwale my research superviser.ccccc 55