Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-29, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Tadele Amare Zeleke, Tadesse Awoke Ayele, Zewditu Abdissa Denu, Lillian Mwanri, Telake Azale
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0352678
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Many women living with HIV (WLHIV) in worldwide experience mental health conditions, particularly depression, which can negatively affect their overall wellbeing. Their lived experiences play a crucial WLHIV has been explored in various global context, there is limited research focusing on the specific women’s lived experience of depression in Ethiopia. Understanding these experience is essential to inform the development of culturally appropriate and targeted mental health interventions and support system.
A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to explore women’s lived experience of depression in Ethiopia. Criterion-based sampling was used, and recruitment continued until data saturation was achieved. Data were collected through in-depth face to face interviews with 16 participants attending health facilities. An inductive approach was used for analysis, with code derived from the data using Ritchie and Spencer’s analytical framework. Subsequently, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was applied to identify key themes and subthemes. Data analysis was supported by MAXQDA (version 22) software.
This study identified key themes on women’s lived experience of depression, including symptoms, meaning, perceived causes, perpetuating and relieving factors, treatment perceptions, coping strategies, and challenges. Depression affected emotional, physical and social well-being, and was shaped by factors such as HIV status, stigma, financial hardship, and lack of support. Women used diverse coping strategies, including spiritual practices, social support, and daily routines. Some preferred spiritual healing over professional care. Depression also negatively affected memory, motivation, self-care, and ART adherence, contributing to isolation, unemployment, and decline health.
Depression among WLHIV shaped by intersecting social, economic, and health related challenge. Addressing this requires the Ministry of Health to implement integrated, culturally sensitive mental health interventions and strengthen mental health awareness, combining psychosocial support, spiritual care, and improved access to professional services.
Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2025 that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major global public health challenge, with approximately 40.8 million people (37.0–45.6 million) living with HIV worldwide [1]. Nearly two-thirds of these infections occur in the African region, reflecting persistent inequalities in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access [2]. Women are disproportionately affected by the epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where discrimination, insecurity, gender-based violence, and poverty continue to expose women and girls to heightened HIV risk. Globally, women accounted for approximately 59% of new adult HIV infections in 2018 [3].
Violence against women increases HIV vulnerability by causing physical harm, such as genital injuries, and limiting women’s ability to negotiate safe sex [4]. It also creates barriers to HIV testing and treatment, as fear of abuse, stigma, and social consequences may prevent women from seeking care [4,5]. Additionally, emotional trauma and gender inequality reduce treatment adherence, access to services and social support, further worsening health outcomes [5–7].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider hospital systems desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Tadele Amare Zeleke, Tadesse Awoke Ayele, Zewditu Abdissa Denu, Lillian Mwanri, Telake Azale. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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- Evidence brief: Effect of psychoeducation in reducing caregiver burden among family caregivers of people with mental disorders in Western Ethiopia, 2021–2022: A pre-test post-test study
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- Evidence brief: Fertility in the Shadow of Cancer: Experiences of Reproductive Loss Among Women with Gynecological Cancers in Ghana
