Prevalence, correlates, and self-management of HIV-related depressive symptoms

Abstract

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent yet undertreated in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs). As part of a larger study of symptom self-management (N=1217), this study examined the prevalence, correlates, and characteristics (intensity, distress, and impact) of depressive symptoms, and the self-care strategies used to manage those symptoms in PLHAs in five countries. The proportion of respondents from each country in the total sample reporting depressive symptoms in the past week varied and included Colombia (44%), Norway (66%), Puerto Rico (57%), Taiwan (35%), and the USA (56%). Fifty-four percent (n=655) of the total sample reported experiencing depressive symptoms in the past week, with a mean of 4.1 (SD 2.1) days of depression. Mean depression intensity 5.4 (SD 2.7), distressfulness 5.5 (SD 2.86), and impact 5.5 (SD 3.0) were rated on a 1-10 scale. The mean Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score for those reporting depressive symptoms was 27 (SD 11; range 3-58), and varied significantly by country. Respondents identified 19 self-care behaviors for depressive symptoms, which fell into six categories: complementary therapies, talking to others, distraction techniques, physical activity, medications, and denial/avoidant coping. The most frequently used strategies varied by country. In the US sample, 33% of the variance in depressive symptoms was predicted by the combination of education, HIV symptoms, psychological and social support, and perceived consequences of HIV disease.

The association between depression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…The findings from this study are consistent with those of similar studies with the CES-D as measurement tool. [26][27][28] In this study, 62% of participants scored high on the CES-D. The large percentage of participants with significant depressive symptoms suggests that there is a very high prevalence of major depression in this HIVpositive population.…”

Psychosocial Variables Associated with Coping of HIV-Positive Women Diagnosed During Pregnancy

“…An HIV diagnosis is generally accompanied by high levels of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. [2,3,4,5,6,7,8] Kwalombota [9] found that Zambian women diagnosed during pregnancy were more likely to experience psychological distress in the form of loss of interest in life, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideation and anxiety as well as considering terminating their pregnancy, when compared to pregnant women who had prior knowledge of their HIV-positive status.…”

A Review of the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and HIV: Issues for Patient Care

“…25,26,35,63 Reasons for use varied, from reducing symptoms and improving well-being to improving immunity. Five studies reported the use of CAM for people with specific symptoms (depression, 51,65 anxiety, 56 peripheral neuropathy, 55 and pain 52 ). In these studies, prayer and meditation were preferred options and use varied from 18% to 52% of respondents.…”