Depression, social support and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS
Tania Gibbie A B D , Margaret Hay B , Chris W. Hutchison B and Anne Mijch A CA Infectious Diseases Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3181, Australia.
B School of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3168, Australia.
C Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3168, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: t.gibbie@alfred.org.au
Sexual Health 4(4) 227-232 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH06062
Submitted: 3 November 2006 Accepted: 15 August 2007 Published: 28 September 2007
Abstract
Background: The present study investigated the prevalence of depression in HIV-positive individuals and its association with adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods: HIV-positive (n = 80) and HIV-negative (n = 20) participants were assessed for depression and adherence via clinical interview and self-reporting. Results: Fourteen percent of the HIV-seropositive group met the criteria for current mood disorder compared with 5% of controls. Similarly, 39% of the HIV-seropositive participants met the criteria for a past major depressive episode compared with 15% of controls. Non-adherence to HAART was reported by 30.5% of those prescribed HAART and was significantly associated with living alone and relationship status. Conclusions: The present study found compromised psychological health in people living with HIV infection. It is recommended that health professionals continue to screen for depression, relationship status and living situation to ensure adherence to HAART.
Additional keywords: mood disorder.
Acknowledgements
Members of the Victorian HIV Psychiatry Consortium: Professor Fiona Judd, Associate Professor Jennifer Hoy, Dr Steven Ellen, Dr Edwina Wright and Dr Phyllis Chua, for their input and expertise in this study. Thanks to Dr Simon Moss for his statistical advice. The authors are also very grateful for the support of the physicians and administrative staff of the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Royal Melbourne Hospital Victorian Infectious Diseases Unit, The Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Unit, Carlton Clinic and the Prahran Market Clinic. The source of support for this study was beyondblue: the national depression initiative.
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* On behalf of the Victorian HIV Psychiatry Consortium: Professor Fiona Judd, Centre for Women’s Mental Health, Royal Women’s Hospital; Associate Professor Jennifer Hoy, Infectious Diseases Unit, The Alfred Hospital; Dr Steven Ellen, The Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred Hospital; Dr Edwina Wright, Infectious Diseases Unit, The Alfred Hospital; and Dr Phyllis Chua, School of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Psychological Medicine, Monash University.
