Elevated Risk of Suicidal Ideation in HIV-Positive Persons

Abstract

Globally, suicide and HIV/AIDS remain two of the greatest healthcare issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Several studies have observed a relationship between suicidal behaviour and HIV/AIDS. Materials and Methods. The main objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of elevated risk of suicidal ideation in HIV-positive persons immediately following voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT). The study sample consisted of adult volunteers attending the VCT clinic at a university-affiliated, general state hospital. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, Beck's Hopeless Scale, and Beck's Depression Inventory. Results. A significantly elevated risk of suicidal ideation was found in 83.1% of the patients who tested seropositive. Despite a wide age range in the cohort studied, the majority of patients with suicidal ideation were males in the younger age group (age < 30 years), consistent with the age-related spread of the disease and an increase in suicidal behaviour in younger people. Relevant associated variables are discussed. Conclusion. The results serve as important markers that could alert healthcare professionals to underlying suicide risks in HIV-positive patients. It is recommended that screening for elevated risk of suicidal ideation and prevention of suicidal behaviour should form a routine aspect of comprehensive patient care at VCT clinics.

The changes and the predictors of suicide ideation and suicide attempt among HIV‐positive patients at 6–12 months post diagnosis: A longitudinal study

“…Suicide ideation and suicide attempt often occur when HIV is initially diagnosed (Hua et al., ). Schlebusch and Govender () investigated patients who had tested HIV‐positive and found that the occurrence rate of suicide ideation was 20.5% at 72 hr and 28.8% at 6 weeks post HIV diagnosis. Bitew et al.…”

Mental Health Needs of People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Thematic Overview

“…In Denmark which is considered as one of the most developed countries the suicides among PLHA is over 8.73 times that of normal population, and suicide among PLHA those diagnosed with psychiatric disorders is over 13 times higher [26]. Other studies indicate the prevalence of suicidal tendencies among PLHA to be around 9% [19], similarly studies show high prevalence of suicidal ideation among PLHA which was ranging from 20.5%-28.8% [27,28] reflecting that mental illness among PLHA reduce their already compromised life expectancy to a greater extent. Other than the above mentioned mental health issues, PLHA are at higher risk of several personality disorders, severe mental illness like mania and psychosis etc.…”

“…Further, PLHA are at risk of developing chronic mental health issues like dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc., [29,30]. Also within PLHA, mental health issues are more prevalent among socially disadvantaged groups such as MSMs, Gays, Transgender, women, victims of abuse and children especially those orphaned by HIV [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. Figure 2, gives an overview of mental health and HIV/AIDS and there interrelationship.…”

“…As HIV/ AIDS is associated with stigma majority of PLHA particularly in Low and middle income countries do not disclose their HIV status and do not seek medical care due to fear of discrimination thereby side-lining them from accessing highly effective ART [16]. Also, individuals with HIV are at high risk of developing several mental health illnesses resulting in non-adherence to ART, high risk behaviours etc., which not just worsens there health but also contribute to spread of infection [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. …”

Percepção de pacientes com AIDS diagnosticada na adolescência sobre o aconselhamento pré e pós-teste HIV realizado

“…Thoughts of suicide were more frequent in males at young age, under 30 years old. The authors note that the pre-and post-HIV test can track the risk of suicide in patients with depressive behaviors and create intervention strategies to avoid it 27 . It is noteworthy that many HIV test requests are not made in CTAs, but by primary care doctors, during consultation regarding some health problem.…”