Two-third of inmates were depressed among HIV positive prisoners at central prison (Kaliti), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Objective Depression is the most frequently observed psychiatric disorder among HIV positives and it is becoming worse in prisoners. The aim this study was to assess prevalence and associated factors of depression among HIV positive prisoners at central prison (Kaliti) Addis Ababa. Result The prevalence of depression was found to be 66.5% (95% CI 62, 71). Primary education [AOR = 4.17, 95% CI (1.648–10.483)], perceived stigma [AOR = 3.88, 95% CI (2.08–7.25)], history of chronic illness [AOR = 2.88, 95% CI (1.34–6.17)] and WHO clinical stage II [AOR = 2.47, 95% CI (1.19–5.12)] and length of stay in prison 4–6 years[AOR = 2.27, 95% CI (1.22–4.23)] and ≥ 10 years [AOR = 3.53, 95% CI (1.15–10.85)] were factors associated with depression. This study indicated that prevalence of depression among HIV positive prisoners in Addis Ababa prison was high. Educational status, perceived stigma, history of chronic illness, WHO clinical stage and length of stay in prison were factors associated with depression. Establishing psychiatry care to screen and manage mental health disorders at the prison is needed. Special attention has to be given for those with primary in education, advanced disease, perceived stigma, and history of chronic illness and stayed many years in prison.