Hospital Readiness and Perceived Health Professional Challenges to Prevent Pandemics in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background: Pandemics pose serious threats to health, society, and economy worldwide. Ethiopia has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused millions of deaths and disrupted essential health services. The readiness of health systems and the challenges that health professionals face in delivering pandemic-related services are crucial for preventing and controlling pandemics. However, these aspects have not been adequately assessed in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where poor prevention techniques and challenging work conditions can increase the transmission of diseases and overwhelm the weak healthcare system. This study aimed to assess hospital readiness and health professional challenges to prevent pandemics in Ethiopia. Methods: A mixed-methods study design was used to collect data from 24 health professionals and four public hospitals using interviews and a checklist which explored the challenges and barriers of health professionals in preventing pandemics and assessed the hospital readiness. Data were analyzed thematically with open code software and descriptively with SPSS software. Results: The study revealed the alarming gaps in the hospitals' readiness and the health professionals' capacity to prevent and control pandemics. Most of the hospitals had insufficient preparedness in terms of administrative activities, infection prevention and control (IPC) activities, emergency room preparedness, outpatient services, and logistics and supplies. The health professionals faced multiple challenges, such as lack of resources, training, personal protection, psychological support, and workload. The most critical challenges were the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and training, which compromised their safety and effectiveness. Conclusion: The study underscored the need to enhance the hospitals' readiness and the health professionals' capacity to prevent and control pandemics and health professionals faced various challenges in preventing and controlling pandemics. These challenges include lack of resources, training, psychological support, and lifestyle changes which may compromise their quality of care, safety, and well-being.

The Association Between Domestic Violence and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women Seeking Antenatal Care at Public Hospitals in Gedeo Zone: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Domestic violence is any harmful behavior by an intimate partner, such as physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. In Ethiopia, domestic violence is a serious and widespread problem. It affects two-thirds (64.6%) of pregnant women and increases the risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Domestic violence during pregnancy is a growing public health problem that may contribute to maternal and perinatal mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to assess the association between domestic violence during pregnancy and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Gedeo Zone Public Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia. Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 142 pregnant women in their third trimester who attended public health institutions in Gedeo Zone for antenatal care. We compared 47 women who were exposed to domestic violence with 95 who were not and followed them until 24 hours after delivery or drop-out. We used SPSS version-24 to analyze data and logistic regression to examine the association between domestic violence and pregnancy outcomes. We reported the results using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value. Results: Out of 142 women, who completed the follow-up, 47 were exposed to domestic violence and 95 were not. We found a strong link between domestic violence and preterm birth. Women exposed to domestic violence had a four-fold higher risk of preterm birth (AOR= 4.392, 95% CI: 1.117, 6.588) than those who were not. They also had a 2.5-fold higher risk of perinatal death (AOR= 2.562, 95% CI: 1.041, 6.308). Conclusion: Domestic violence during pregnancy affects many pregnant women in southern Ethiopia and harms their babies. It leads to preterm birth and perinatal death, which can be prevented. The Ethiopian government and other stakeholders need to protect pregnant women from intimate partner violence urgently.

The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic working at case management center in Ethiopia, 2020.

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19, because of its rapid transmission and the uncertainty about how it is transmitted, evoked fear and anxiety among frontline health professionals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its association with impairments in functioning and comorbid mental health symptoms in Ethiopia in 2020. METHOD: An English-language, online, cross-sectional survey study was administered to 207 different health professionals working at a COVID-19 center using a random sampling technique. The 17-item Symptom Scale for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-Self-Reporting Version was used to determine the presence of PTSD. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine psychosocial factors associated with PTSD. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of PTSD in this study was 55 (26.5%). Those at the highest risk included women, those working at a high-risk site, current substance users, and professionals with poor quality of sleep. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD among frontline health care providers was higher than in the general population. Some environmental and psychological variables were associated with increased risk. We recommend that health care providers who provide frontline care be regularly screened for PTSD and provided with mental health services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Health related quality of life and its association with social support among people living with HIV/AIDS receiving antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are frequently confronted with severe social issues such as rejection, abandonment, criticism, and stigma. This would negatively affect their quality of life. Several studies have been conducted so far to assess factors affecting the health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia. However, to our knowledge, there is no previous study that has summarized the results of the studies that investigated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among PLWHA in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of HRQOL and its association with social support among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) on ART in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out using several electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic), Google Scholar, Google, and a manual search of the literature on health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS who are on ART. A Microsoft Excel data extraction sheet was used to extract pertinent data from an individual study. To assess the heterogeneity of primary articles, the Cochrane Q test statistics and the I2 test were carried out, and a random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of HRQOL. RESULT: Out of the 493 articles reviewed, ten with a total of 3257 study participants were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HRQOL among people living with HIV/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia was 45.27%. We found that strong perceived social support was significantly associated with higher levels of subjectively perceived HRQOL. PLWHA who were on ART and had good social support were four times more likely to report higher HRQOL when compared to their counterparts [AOR = 4.01, 95% CI 3.07-5.23]. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of PLWHA had poor HRQOL in Ethiopia. Social support was significantly associated with HRQOL among people living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, it's recommended to encourage suitable intervention at every follow-up visit, and psycho-social support is also warranted to improve the quality of life.

Stressful life experience of the first married women in polygamous families in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: a qualitative study, 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Polygamy is commonly referred to as the union of a man with multiple women or the practice of having more than one wife at a time. In Ethiopia, polygamy has practiced in all regions. In particular, the stress of polygamous family life predisposes mothers to psychological problems. Being a serious public health issue, the stressful experience among polygamous women was not known in Ethiopia. AIM: To explore a stressful life experience among first married polygamous women in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: This study was conducted using a phenomenological study approach from February 20-30, 2021. A purposive sampling method was used and an in-depth interview was conducted. Data were collected from 13 first married women from polygamous. FINDINGS: Three themes emerged from the study including reaction to polygamy, socio-economic challenges in polygamy, and bonds of families in polygamy families. The finding indicated that the status of life experience among first married women in a polygamous family was stressful. They experienced various degrees of psychological difficulties including anger, mistrustfulness, emotional distress, loneliness, emptiness, unhappiness, and lack of intimacy with their husbands. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This study highlighted how polygamy is a complex issue and common practice in the Gedeo zone. There has to be a mechanism for serious follow-up to educate women properly. A long-lasting measure to empower women in the economy, social, political, and creating a level of consciousness to resist polygamy is important.

Community-based new born care practice and its associated factors among women who give birth at home in Ethiopia: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, perinatal mortality rate was 33 per 1000 pregnancies and 64.4% of this death was occurred within the first 7 days of neonatal life. Moreover, more than 2.1% of new born babies were died within their first seven days of life in Ethiopia. Majority of neonatal deaths are preventable by applying an effective and lifesaving interventions. However, little is known about newborn care practice at the community level. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to get a total of 540 mothers who gave birth at home within the past six months from their kebeles in Ethiopia. Data was collected by using face-to-face interview with structured questionnaires. Then the data was coded, cleaned, and entered into Epidemiological data version 3.1 and exported to statistical package for social science version 23.0 for analyses. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify statistically significant associations between dependent and independent variables. The odds ratio at 95% confidence interval with P-Value 0.05% was computed. RESULTS: A total of 540 women were participated with a response rate of 98.3%. Only 208 (44%) of the women had good practice towards essential newborn care. Head of households [AOR (95%CI) 2.7417 (1.80-4.25)], type of birth attendant [AOR (95%CI) 3.962 (3.329-7.171)] and bad obstetrical history [AOR (95%CI) 3.151 (2.209-4.969)] were significantly associated with maternal newborn care practice. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the mothers had good newborn care practice. In this study, head of household, type of birth attendant, and bad obstetrical history were significantly associated with maternal newborn care practice. Therefore, Ministry of Women and Woreda women and Child offices needs to promote the socioeconomic empowerment of women to increase the practice of essential newborn care practices.

The prevalence of sexual compulsivity and its correlates among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual compulsivity is a concealed psychiatric disease marked by intrusive thoughts followed by ritualized sexual acts. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS has recently increased. Furthermore, sexual compulsivity among adults living with HIV/AIDS receives less attention, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual compulsivity and its correlates among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending ART clinic in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2020. METHOD: A hospital-based study employing cross-sectional design and simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by using interview technique. A 10 item Sexual Compulsivity Scale (SCS) questionnaire was used to assess sexual compulsivity. The translated version of the questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with the outcome variable at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: Out of 300 respondents, 27% (24.3, 29.2) of them were scored above the mean score of the Sexual Compulsivity Scale. Age less than 31 years old, widowed, involving in risky sexual behaviors, current substance use, not received any skill training about safer sex behaviors, and not attending support group discussion on HIV prevention were significantly associated with sexual compulsivity. CONCLUSION: Almost one fourth of the respondents have high score for Sexual Compulsivity Scale score. Therefore, there is a need of routine sexual behavior screening program and collaboration with mental health workers for addressing the problem. Furthermore, the emphasis should be given on the identified high-risk categories.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Problematic Internet Use among Ethiopian Undergraduate University Students in 2019.

BACKGROUND: Problematic Internet use is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behavior regarding computer use and Internet access which lead to impairment or distress. It has been found that the occurrence rate of problematic Internet use among university students ranges from 0.8% to 47.7%. Despite this, there are multiple challenges that relate to problematic Internet use, which remain underrecognized and largely ignored by stakeholders and are not well known, especially in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted aiming to assess the prevalence of problematic Internet use and its associated factors among undergraduate students. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was employed from May 1st to June 1st, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to get a total of 846 undergraduate students. Data were collected by using self-administered structured questionnaires of Young's Internet Addiction Test. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 22; bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with problematic Internet use, and statistical significance was considered at P value <0.05. RESULTS: For a total of 846 study participants, the response rate was 761 (90%) and the prevalence of problematic Internet use was 19.4%. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that being male [AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.80, 6.41], depression [AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.40, 5.43], and khat or caffeinated drinks [AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.87] were significantly associated with problematic Internet use. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that there was high prevalence of problematic Internet use among Dilla University students and there were various factors associated with increased prevalence of problematic Internet use. Therefore, students need to be educated about the safe, valuable, and healthy practices of Internet use. Furthermore, it is better to counsel on substance use and its consequences to overcome the anticipated increase in problematic Internet use.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among children (6-23 months) in Gedeo zone, Ethiopia: cross - sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Different foods and food groups are good sources for various macro- and micronutrients. Diversified diet play an important role in both physical and mental growth and development of children. However, meeting minimum standards of dietary diversity for children is a challenge in many developing countries including Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: To assess dietary diversity and associated factors among children (6-23 months) in Gedieo Zone, Ethiopia. METHOD: Community based cross-sectional study was carried out at Gedieo Zone, Ethiopia, from January to March 15, 2019. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to get a total of 665 children with the age of between 6 and 23 months from their kebeles. Data was collected by using face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for analyses. Variables having p < 0.25 at bivariate analysis were fitted to multivariable analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used at 95% confidence interval and with P-Value < 0.05. Bivariate. RESULT: A total of 665 children were participated with response rate of 96.2%. Only 199(29.9%) of children were met the minimum requirements for dietary diversity. Age of children [AOR 4.237(1.743-10.295))], Educational status [AOR 2.864(1.156-7.094)], Number of families [AOR 2.865(1.776-4.619))] and household wealth index [AOR4.390(2.300-8.380)] were significantly associated with Dietary Diversity of children. CONCLUSION: Only, one out of four children aged of 6-23 months attained the minimum dietary diversity score. Children from low socioeconomic status and mothers with no formal educational attainment need special attention to improve the practice of appropriate feeding of children.

Trust about corona vaccine among health professionals working at Dilla University referral hospital, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Corona virus is continuing over a year ago throughout the world. To handle the spread and vitality of the virus, several investigations have been done and recently the vaccine has launched in order to effect soon. A vaccine has several controversial issues regarding the effectiveness and potential unwanted serious adverse effects. In low-and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, there is a huge knowledge gap and insufficiency of information about the corona vaccine. Trust is exceptionally crucial to utilize any vaccines apply on human being. This study aimed to assess trust about corona vaccine and its associated factors among health professionals working at Dilla University referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. METHOD: A hospital-based study employing cross-sectional design and simple random sampling technique was used to select health professionals who are working at Dilla University referral hospital from March 1-15, 2021. Trust about corona vaccine was assessed by a Likert scale type single standard questionnaire. A Binary Logistic regression at 95% CI, p < 0.05 was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. RESULT: This study included 250 health professionals. From the total of respondents, 155(62%) indicated they would not trust COVID-19 vaccines. The most common reasons indicated through a closed series of 10 options for not trusting the vaccine included doubts in efficacy, novelty of the products, fast-tracking of the development and general indecisiveness. Men, people aged less than 32 years, who were single, who worked in a coronavirus treatment unit, who had a positive coronavirus test and no current history of physical illness were more likely to trust or demand the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of health professionals that trust COVID-19 vaccination is among the lowest in the world. Therefore, there is a need of awareness creation training and education about the corona vaccine for health professionals, particularly for those identified groups.

Perceived quality of life and associated factors among patients with severe mental illness in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Severe mental illness is strongly associated with an impaired quality of life. This intern can affect the treatment adherence and outcomes of the illness. However, there are insufficient studies in the literature pertaining to the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness in Ethiopia. Therefore, assessing the quality of life of patients with severe mental illness and its correlates is a yardstick measure of the effectiveness of the mental health service. METHODS: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 16, 2019 at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get a total number of 387 samples. Data were collected using interview-administered questionnaires; World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Morisky Medication Adherence Screening Tool, Oslo Social Support Scale, and Jacoby Stigma Scale. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the contributing factors of quality of life in the participants and B coefficient with 95% CI confidence interval was used. The statistical significance was accepted at p value < 0.05. RESULTS: The result showed that the Mean quality of life score of patients with severe mental illness for each domain (mean ± SD) was 41.3 ± 7.5, 42.8 ± 8.2, 38.9 ± 8.9, and 41.8 ± 6.5 for physical, psychological, social and environmental, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that age of participants was strongly positively correlated with all domains of quality of life. It predicts above 45% of the variability in each domain. Social support is also another strong predictor which was negatively correlated with all domains of quality of life, except physical. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the mean score quality of life of patients with severe mental illness in each domain was low. This demonstrates a need for improving the quality of life of people with severe mental illness by integration of a positive mental health approach and bio-psychosocial view with biological treatment of severe mental illness. Moreover, in Collaboration with medical professionals, people with severe mental illness should screen and managed for any comorbid medical conditions.

The prevalence of suicidal behavior and its associated factors among wives with polygamy marriage living in Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia, 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Polygamy is a trend of marriage characterized by having two and more wives or husbands at the same time. In low and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, polygamy has a significant negative effect on the social, economic, physical, and mental well-being of women. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior among wives with polygamy marriage living in the Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: A community-based study employing cross-sectional design and systematic sampling technique was used to select wives with polygamy marriage who are residents of Gedeo Zone from November to December 2020. The World Health Organization Suicidal Behavior Questions (SBQ-5) was adapted to explore the outcome variable. The Logistic regression at 95% CI, p<0.05 was used to identify factors associated with suicidal behavior. RESULTS: This study enrolled 423 respondents. The study revealed that, the overall prevalence of suicidal behavior was 157(37%). Illiteracy, being a wife of a husband with three and more other wives, current history of depression, intimate partner violence, and poor social support were significantly associated with suicidal behavior at 95% confidence interval, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study found that one-third of the respondents had suicidal behavior. Different significant socio-demographic and psychosocial variables were identified. Thus, due attention should be given to minimize the practice and its effect on the mental wellbeing of a mother and their children.

Determinants of Common Mental Disorders Among People Living with HIV/AIDS Attending ART Service in Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, the rates of psychological problems have been shown to have a dramatic increase, particularly among people living with chronic diseases. Besides the known clinical factors, it is important to address an individual's level of resilience as an included factor for mental health outcome for people living with HIV/AIDS. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess determinants of common mental disorders among people living with human immune virus/acquired immune deficiency virus (HIV/AIDS). SETTING: ART clinic of Gedeo zone public hospital, South, Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based unmatched case control study was conducted. A total of 360 adults (180 cases and 180 controls) aged 18 and above who attended the anti-retro viral therapy (ART) service participated. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) screening tool was used to determine cases and controls based on the status of common mental disorders. The treatment register at each HIV treatment center was used to systematically select study participants for the interview. The cases were common mental disorder (CMD) positively screened adults who scored seven and above, while the controls were adults who scored below seven. Then the cases and controls who took part in the study were selected using a simple random sampling method with a proportional allocation method for each hospital. Multivariable logistic regression was used. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statically significant. RESULTS: Lower resilience level was found to be significant predictors of common mental disorder among HIV patients [AOR = 3.16 95% CI; 1.83, 5.46]. The other predictors were being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.01 95% CI; 1.21, 3.34); single [AOR = 8.10 95% CI; 3.50, 18.76]; divorced and widowed [AOR = 3.31 95% CI; 1.76, 6.22]; more than ten years of illness duration [AOR = 2.30 95% CI; 1.39, 3.80]; and having perceived stigma [AOR = 5.39 95% CI; 2.65, 10.82]. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive adults with lower resilience levels and experiencing perceived stigma exhibited significantly higher risk of mental disorders. Hence, improving personal resilience and working to mitigate perceived stigma play a great role in decreasing the risk of common mental disorders.

Correction to: Magnitude and predictors of common mental disorder among people with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Magnitude and predictors of common mental disorder among people with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders are frequent psychiatric comorbid conditions among people with HIV/AIDS. The presence of such psychiatric disorders negatively affects the treatment adherence, viral load suppression, quality of life, treatment outcomes and functionality of people with HIV/AIDS. However, available studies in Ethiopia have a great variation and inconsistency of reported results have been observed regarding the magnitude and associated factors of common mental disorder. Thus, conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literatures can have a paramount importance to show its summarized figure. METHODS: Literatures search was performed using databases (PubMed/Medline, Science Direct and PsycINFO. Grey literatures were also searched from Google and Google Scholar. Data were extracted from primary studies using a data extraction format prepared in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA-version 14 statistical software for analysis. The I2 test was used to assess the heterogeneity of primary articles. The result of the test showed that there was heterogeneity between primary studies. This leads us to execute a random effect meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of common mental disorder with corresponding 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 13 primary studies comply with the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence of common mental disorder was found to be 28.83% (95% CI: 17.93, 39.73) among people with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The highest prevalence of common mental disorder (35.20%) was observed among studies in which Kessler-10 was used as a screening tool. Single marital status (OR = 1.83; 95%CI: 1.03, 3.27), HIV/AIDS-related stigma (OR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.68, 2.90) and current job unavailability (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.01, 1.88) had statistically significant association with common mental disorder. CONCLUSION: The result of this review showed that nearly one among three individuals with HIV/AIDS is suffering from common mental disorder in Ethiopia. This calls a need to integrate the mental health and psycho-social support into the HIV/AIDS care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO- CRD42019132402. Registered on 05/08/2019.

Health related quality of life and its correlates among people with depression attending outpatient department in Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common mental disorder negatively affects the cognitive, emotion, behavior, functionality and quality of life of people. Poor quality of life results in high rates of relapse, inability to perform occupational and social activities, impaired future outlook, and increases overall health care related costs. However, there is no available evidence regarding the health related quality of people with depression in Ethiopia. Therefore, evaluating the quality of life of people with depression is crucial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the health related quality of life and its correlates among people with depression at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1st to 30th, 2018. A randomly selected 394 clients with depression were participated in this study. Health related quality of life was measured using world health organization quality of life brief. The collected data were coded and entered to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Step wise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the correlates of quality of life and the strength of the correlation was measured by ß coefficient with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) scores of quality of life of people with depression were 41.3 ± 7.5, 42.8 ± 8.2, 38.9 ± 8.9 and 41.8 ± 6.5 for physical, psychological, social and environmental domains, respectively. The Multiple regression analysis showed that age of respondents, age of onset of depression, perceived stigma, living arrangement, social support level and duration of illness were statistically significant predictors of health related quality of life of people with depression in all or at least one domain of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that nearly half of study participants scored below the mean score in each domain of health related quality of life. This demonstrates a need for improving the quality of life of people with depression through the integration of a positive mental health approach and bio-psychosocial view together with the pharmacological treatments of depression. Moreover, strengthening social support, early identification and treatment of depression and prevention of stigma are also highly recommended to improve the quality of life of people with depression.