Psychological distress, anxiety, depression, stress level, and coping style in HIV-pregnant women in Mexico

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the presence of psychological distress (PD) and its association with the mental health and coping styles of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLWH). Method An observational, cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. Seventy-three PWLWH were included. Patients responded to a psychometric battery for PD, depression, anxiety, stress, and coping style evaluation. The scales used in the study were: Goldberg’s 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Zung Depression Self-Measurement Scale (ZDS), Nowack Stress Profile, Lazarus and Folkman’s Coping Styles Questionnaire. Results PD was observed in 31.5% of the participants. PD-positive patients showed a higher probability of presenting traits of depression and anxiety and medium/high stress levels. Besides, they preferentially used emotion-focused coping styles. Conclusion PD is associated with a higher probability of presenting anxiety and depression in PWLWH. Emotion-focused coping style could be a factor in decision-making associated with risk behaviors in PWLWH.