Association between social capital and mental health among older people living with HIV: The Sichuan Older HIV-Infected Cohort Study (SOHICS)

Abstract

Background: Mental health problems are common among older people living with HIV and associated with poorer health outcomes. Social capital is an important determinant of mental health problems but under-studied in this population. This study investigated the association between social capital and mental health problems among older people living with HIV in China. Methods: The study was based on the baseline data of a cohort study investigating mental health among older people living with HIV in Sichuan, China during November 2018 to February 2019. Participants were people living with HIV aged ≥50 years living in Sichuan province. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to recruit participants from 30 communities/towns; 529 out of 556 participants being approached completed the face-to-face interview. Social capital was measured by two validated health-related social capital scales: the Individual and Family scale and the Community and Society scale. Presence of probable depression (CES-D-10 score ≥10) and probable anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥5) were used as dependent variables. Two-level logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between social capital and probable depression/anxiety. Results: The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety was 25.9% (137/529) and 36.3% (192/529) , respectively. After adjusting for significant covariates, the individual/family level of social capital was inversely associated with both probable depression (odds ratios (OR): 0.89, 95%CI: 0.84-0.93, p <0.001) and probable anxiety (OR: 0.90, 95%CI: 0.86-0.95, p <0.001). The community/society level social capital was associated with probable depression (OR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99, p <0.001) but not probable anxiety ( p >0.05). Conclusions: Interventions building up social capital should be considered to improve mental health of older people living with HIV. Some useful strategies include cognitive processing therapy, improving community networking and engagement, and promoting social bonding with neighborhood.

Self-Reported Compliance With Personal Preventive Measures Among Chinese Factory Workers at the Beginning of Work Resumption Following the COVID-19 Outbreak: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

“…Random intercept models were used to allow the intercept of the regression model to vary across factories, which could account for intracorrelated nested data. Multilevel logistic regression models are commonly used in studies using cluster sampling methods [ 26 ]. Univariate two-level logistic models were first used to assess the significance of the association between each of the background characteristics and the dependent variables.…”

Antiretroviral Therapy–Related Experiences Predict Mental Health Status Among People Living with HIV in China: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

“…Similar to the ndings of cross-sectional studies [12,54], we found that stronger social support and lower perceived social stigma at baseline were protective factors for mental health problems. A study among Chinese PLWH also showed that family and social networks, and the trust/intensity of relationships with family members and others played important roles in mental wellbeing [55]. In addition, studies have shown that living in a trusting social environment with lower stigma toward PLWH alleviates daily stressors and protects against mental health problems [55][56][57].…”

“…A study among Chinese PLWH also showed that family and social networks, and the trust/intensity of relationships with family members and others played important roles in mental wellbeing [55]. In addition, studies have shown that living in a trusting social environment with lower stigma toward PLWH alleviates daily stressors and protects against mental health problems [55][56][57]. On the one hand, strategies to encourage and teach PLWH to communicate with their family/friends for support are needed [58].…”

Social Capital in Old People Living with HIV Is Associated with Quality of Life: A Cross‐Sectional Study in China

“…To achieve health equity across the country, special attention should be given to those vulnerable areas, such as Southwest China, the most HIV-affected regions across the at-risk groups where, for example, the annual average number of new HIV infections in Sichuan and Yunnan had exceeded 3,000 (old HIV infections account for about 18%) from 2004 to 2016 [35,36]. Using a unique cohort of vulnerable populations in Southwest China, the Sichuan Old HIV-Infected Cohort Study (SOHICS) [37], this study was aimed at investigating the association between social capital and QoL among old PLWH. A previous study has revealed a positive association between social capital and mental health among this population [37].…”

“…Using a unique cohort of vulnerable populations in Southwest China, the Sichuan Old HIV-Infected Cohort Study (SOHICS) [37], this study was aimed at investigating the association between social capital and QoL among old PLWH. A previous study has revealed a positive association between social capital and mental health among this population [37]. Moving one step forward, the findings from this study would provide further information for the development of evidence-based interventions and policies for improving the QoL of old PLWH.…”