Psaros C, Stanton AM, Raggio GA, Mosery N, Goodman GR, Briggs ES, Williams M, Bangsberg D, Smit J, Safren SA. Optimizing PMTCT Adherence by Treating Depression in Perinatal Women with HIV in South Africa: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Int J Behav Med 2023;
30:62-76. [PMID:
35260947 PMCID:
PMC9452601 DOI:
10.1007/s12529-022-10071-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
South Africa (SA) has the greatest HIV prevalence in the world, with rates as high as 40% among pregnant women. Depression is a robust predictor of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and engagement in HIV care; perinatal depression may affect upwards of 47% of women in SA. Evidence-based, scalable approaches for depression treatment and ART adherence in this setting are lacking.
METHOD
Twenty-three pregnant women with HIV (WWH), ages 18-45 and receiving ART, were randomized to a psychosocial depression and adherence intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) to evaluate intervention feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect on depressive symptoms and ART adherence. Assessments were conducted pre-, immediately post-, and 3 months post-treatment, and included a qualitative exit interview.
RESULTS
Most (67.6%) eligible individuals enrolled; 71% completed at least 75% of sessions. Compared to TAU, intervention participants had significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms at post-treatment, β = - 11.1, t(24) = - 3.1, p < 0.005, 95% CI [- 18.41, - 3.83], and 3 months, β = - 13.8, t(24) = - 3.3, p < 0.005, 95% CI [- 22.50, - 5.17]. No significant differences in ART adherence, social support, or stigma were found. Qualitatively, perceived improvements in social support, self-esteem, and problem-solving adherence barriers emerged as key benefits of the intervention; additional sessions were desired.
CONCLUSION
A combined depression and ART adherence intervention appears feasible and acceptable, and demonstrated preliminary evidence of efficacy in a high-need population. Additional research is needed to confirm efficacy and identify dissemination strategies to optimize the health of WWH and their children.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03069417. Protocol available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03069417.
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