Developing a Culturally Sensitive Group Support Psychotherapy Model to Treat Depression Among HIV Positive Individuals in Uganda

I am with the department of Psychiatry, Makerere University. I am developing and testing a culturally sensitive group support Psychotherapy model to treat depression in HIV positive individuals. 50 depressed HIV positive participants will be randomized to participate in the group support psychotherapy (intervention arm) and 50 depressed HIV positive individuals will be randomized to the control condition of education groups in which they will be provided with written and visual information regarding HIV and risk behaviors with no group interaction. The indicator of success will be that, in comparison to the control condition, the culturally sensitive group support psychotherapy will lead to a greater decrease in depression symptoms leading to improved functioning, improved ART adherence and retention in HIV care. This project will provide empirical evidence that can help guide the integration of mental health care programs and ART programs to optimize treatment outcomes and decrease disease transmission.