Prevalence of depression and his influence on sexuality inserodiscordant couples in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Depression is often associated with risky sexual behaviors. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of depression and his influence on unprotected sex and sexual dysfunction in HIV discordant couples in Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study from January 1^stQ to June 31, 2010. Serodiscordant couples whom were following in the University Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo and agreed to participate were included. Eighty heterosexual couples were studied. Thirty-one (38.7%) seropositive and 23 (28.7%) seronegative partners suffered from depression (p = 0. 18).The mean score of depression was 3.5 ± 2. 1 in HIV-positive and 3.3 ± 1.6 in HIV-negative partners (p = 0.85). Depression affected both partners in 13 couples (16.2%) and only one in 28 couples (35%). The unprotected sex were reported in 5 (38.5%) couples where both partners were depressed, 13 (46.4%) where only one was depressed and 26 (66.7%) where neither partner was depressed (p = 0.1 1). Depression was notified at least for one partner in 40 (51, 3%) couples where partners reported dysfunction and  1 (50%) couple where no partner reported this.

Effective medical and psychological care of partners is needed to promote a beaming and safety sex in serodiscordant couples.