A Model of Suicidal Ideation in Adults Aging With HIV

Abstract

Continuing advances in antiretroviral therapy are increasing survival and longevity for people living with HIV. However, factors related to depression and suicidal ideation associated with aging and HIV may mean that the synergistic effects of aging with HIV could place many adults at undue risk for these conditions. Such factors include ageism and stigma, loneliness/decreased social support, neurological changes, declining health, fatigue, changes in appearance, and financial distress. Potential interventions that address these factors are needed to abate depression and prevent suicidal ideation. Nurses are in key positions to identify and intervene with HIV-infected and aging patients who may be at risk for depression and suicidal ideation.

Characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus infections among the elderly in Taiwan: A nationwide study

“…However, the age-specific distribution of "successful suicides" did not represent actual suicide ideations, which are thought to correlate with elderly HIV infections. 22 Studies concerning psychological issues of elderly HIV infections in Taiwan are indicated. The distribution of major severe illnesses, including ARC and non-ARC illnesses, was similar in both groups.…”

Suicidal ideation among HIV+ former blood and/or plasma donors in rural China

“…Factors in association with suicidal ideation among PLWH include unemployment (Sherr et al, 2008), financial difficulty (Preau, Bouhnik, PerettiWatel, Obadia, & Spire, 2008;Vance, Moneyham, Fordham, & Struzick, 2008), presence of physical symptoms (Kelly et al, 1998;Sherr et al, 2008), poor family relationship (Chandra et al, 1998), poor quality of life (QOL; Haller & Miles, 2003;Sherr et al, 2008), perceived discrimination (Preau et al, 2008), lack of social support (Kalichman, Heckman, Kochman, Sikkema, & Bergholte, 2000;Preau et al, 2008), escape or avoidance coping style (Kalichman et al, 2000), psychological problems such as depression (Haller & Miles, 2003;Schneider et al, 1991;Sherr et al, 2008), physical or sexual abuse (Cooperman & Simoni, 2005), and drug dependence (Chandra et al, 1998;Haller & Miles, 2003). Only *Corresponding author.…”

Depressive features among adult patients receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV in Rustenburg district, SA

“…[16] Notably, ageing exposes HIV/AIDS patients to an increased risk of common diseases such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, stroke, dementia and depression. [17,18] The SASH study found the prevalence rate of depressive symptomatology to be almost equal in both sexes, [6] and we found no statistical differences between males and females suffering from depressive features. Although men and women experience depression in different ways, and the gender ratio varies among different countries, many studies report no differences.…”