Hajra is a Research Statistician based at the Institute for Global Health, University College London since 2018. She has collaborated on designing, analysing and publishing a range of research projects exploring HIV outcomes and co-infections using the largest, representative, longitudinal dataset of people living with HIV in the UK.
Hajra’s research will look at depression among older people living with HIV.
One in three people with HIV in England are now over the age of 50, and the number of people with additional healthcare conditions in this population is increasing. People with HIV appear to be more likely to develop depression than people without HIV. The care that is available for people with HIV and depression may vary in different clinics or in different parts of the country, which may mean that it is hard for people to understand how and where they should get mental healthcare if they are experiencing depressive symptoms.
Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, this project aims to understand why it is more common for people with HIV to develop depression, and why it may be difficult for some of them to access the best care and treatment for this. Through this research, I hope to develop a clear system for healthcare staff to identify people who may have depressive symptoms and ensure they are directed or referred to the most appropriate treatment pathway when they need help. In addition, I hope to understand barriers experienced by people with HIV and depression when trying to get the care they need.
