Depression among Youth Living with HIV/AIDS

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders and Their Associated Risk Factors Among People Living with HIV in Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study

While life expectancy of people living with HIV is increasing, their burden of non-communicable diseases, including mental health disorders, is growing as well. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with mental health disorders among this population in Rwanda. This cross-sectional study enrolled people living with HIV from 12 HIV clinics across Rwanda using random sampling. Trained HIV nurses conducted the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to estimate the prevalence of major depressive episode, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, and HIV-related data were also collected. Associated risk factors for being diagnosed with one of the mental health disorders were assessed using modified Poisson regression with robust error variance. Of 428 participants, 70 (16.4%) had at least one mental health disorder with major depressive episode being most prevalent (n = 60, 14.0%). Almost all participants were adherent to antiretroviral therapy (n = 424, 99.1%) and virally suppressed (n = 412, 96.9%). Of those diagnosed with a mental health disorder, only few were aware of (n = 4, 5.7%) or under treatment for this mental health disorder (n = 5, 7.2%). Mental health disorders were associated with experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination (aRR = 2.14, 95%CI 1.30-3.53, p = 0.003). The results demonstrate underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health disorders among Rwandan People Living with HIV. Using HIV nurses to diagnose mental health disorders could serve as a low-cost strategy for integrating mental health care with existing HIV services and could inspire the implementation in other low-resource settings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Factors Related to Outcomes in Depression Among Youth with HIV

Purpose

This is a secondary analysis of a multi-site, cluster (site) randomized trial of the efficacy of a combined Health and Wellness Cognitive Behavior Therapy (H&W CBT) and medication management approach for depression in youth with HIV (YWH) compared to standard care. In this study, we explored the association between H&W CBT factors and depression outcomes after 24 weeks of treatment to discover treatment elements associated with symptom reduction.

Methods

Participants (12-24 years of age) were YWH in the United States (US) diagnosed with moderate to severe depression [Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Clinician-Rated score ≥ 11]. Thirteen US sites were randomly assigned to either the combination treatment approach or standard care. For site-level analyses, site-specific summary scores were used to account for the within site correlation.

Results all scores are site-level

The number of depressive symptoms [QIDS-Self Reported (QIDS-SR) score] after 24 weeks of H&W CBT was significantly negatively correlated with the mean total session duration (ρ = - 0.94), the total homework assigned (ρ = - 0.83), the total number of practice modules used (ρ = - 0.83), and the mean total booster sessions given (ρ = - 0.82).

Conclusions

Specific elements of the H&W CBT (e.g., dose, assignment of homework, greater skills practice, and use of booster sessions) were associated with improvement of depression outcomes in YWH. A focus on these elements in treatment may improve symptom reduction for YWH with depression.

Perceived barriers and opportunities for implementing an integrated psychological intervention for depression in adolescents living with HIV in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have an increased risk of depression, negatively affecting their adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment outcomes. Integrating mental health care in HIV care and treatment settings improves comprehensive care. However, integration remains challenging in Tanzania, like in other high-burden and low-resource settings. The overall objective of this work is to inform the development of a psychological intervention for depression in adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV). We describe perceived barriers and opportunities for implementing an integrated, evidence-based psychological intervention to manage adolescent depression in HIV care and treatment centers (HIV-CTC) from the perspectives of adolescents, caregivers, and healthcare providers (HCPs) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

METHODS

To inform intervention development and implementation, this study utilized a qualitative design through a phenomenological approach informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore implementation barriers and facilitators in ALWHIV, HCPs, and caregivers. Forty-five in-depth interviews were conducted in three HIV-CTCs in Kinondoni Dar es Salaam. Audio records were transcribed verbatim and analyzed deductively through NVIVO software.

RESULTS

Barriers to implementing an integrated psychological intervention to address depression in ALWHIV included (A) poor mental health awareness among caregivers, adolescents, HCPs, and policy-makers, (B) high level of stigma against mental health care, (C) poor communication between adolescents and HCPs concerning mental health care, (D) lack of contextualized intervention of proven effectiveness and guidelines of mental health care, and (E) inadequate mental health care supportive supervision and mentorship. Facilitators for implementation included supportive infrastructure, positive pressure from HIV implementing partners, tension for change, and participant's perception of the advantage of a psychological intervention as compared to just usual HIV care and treatment counseling.

CONCLUSION

Despite several modifiable barriers to implementing a psychological intervention in HIV CTC, there were encouraging facilitators and opportunities for implementing an integrated, evidence-based psychological intervention to address depression in ALWHIV in Kinondoni Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Development and Pilot-Testing of an Optimized Conversational Agent or "Chatbot" for Peruvian Adolescents Living With HIV to Facilitate Mental Health Screening, Education, Self-Help, and Linkage to Care: Protocol for a Mixed Methods, Community-Engaged Study

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living with HIV are disproportionally affected by depression, which worsens antiretroviral therapy adherence, increases viral load, and doubles the risk of mortality. Because most adolescents living with HIV live in low- and middle-income countries, few receive depression treatment due to a lack of mental health services and specialists in low-resource settings. Chatbot technology, used increasingly in health service delivery, is a promising approach for delivering low-intensity depression care to adolescents living with HIV in resource-constrained settings.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to develop and pilot-test for the feasibility and acceptability of a prototype, optimized conversational agent (chatbot) to provide mental health education, self-help skills, and care linkage for adolescents living with HIV.

METHODS

Chatbot development comprises 3 phases conducted over 2 years. In the first phase (year 1), formative research will be conducted to understand the views, opinions, and preferences of up to 48 youths aged 10-19 years (6 focus groups of up to 8 adolescents living with HIV per group), their caregivers (5 in-depth interviews), and HIV program personnel (5 in-depth interviews) regarding depression among adolescents living with HIV. We will also investigate the perceived acceptability of a mental health chatbot, including barriers and facilitators to accessing and using a chatbot for depression care by adolescents living with HIV. In the second phase (year 1), we will iteratively program a chatbot using the SmartBot360 software with successive versions (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), meeting regularly with a Youth Advisory Board comprised of adolescents living with HIV who will guide and inform the chatbot development and content to arrive at a prototype version (version 1.0) for pilot-testing. In the third phase (year 2), we will pilot-test the prototype chatbot among 50 adolescents living with HIV naïve to its development. Participants will interact with the chatbot for up to 2 weeks, and data will be collected on the acceptability of the chatbot-delivered depression education and self-help strategies, depression knowledge changes, and intention to seek care linkage.

RESULTS

The study was awarded in April 2022, received institutional review board approval in November 2022, received funding in December 2022, and commenced recruitment in March 2023. By the completion of study phases 1 and 2, we expect our chatbot to incorporate key needs and preferences gathered from focus groups and interviews to develop the chatbot. By the completion of study phase 3, we will have assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the prototype chatbot. Study phase 3 began in April 2024. Final results are expected by January 2025 and published thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

The study will produce a prototype mental health chatbot developed with and for adolescents living with HIV that will be ready for efficacy testing in a subsequent, larger study.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/55559.

Social and mental health characteristics of adolescents living with HIV in Mexico: Implications for adherence to antiretroviral treatment

Mexico is the third Latin American country with the most children and adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV). There is a lack of information on the characteristics of this population. We aimed to describe the social and mental health characteristics of Mexican ALHIV. A census was conducted of all adolescent patients with HIV at a pediatric hospital (n = 47; mean age 14.39, S.D. = 3.65) and their caregivers. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, family, intelligence, mental health, adverse life events, substance use, treatment, knowledge of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and HIV, and biomarkers. Most cases were transmitted vertically and self-reported ART adherence was above 90%. Some obstacles to adherence were medicine discomfort, believing that they did not need it, and forgetfulness. The vulnerabilities were intellectual disability, adverse life events, possible mental health problems, and little knowledge of their illness and treatment. These findings suggest the importance of interventions to improve the perception and knowledge of HIV and ART to increase ART adherence.

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinic at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Central Ethiopia

Depression is the most frequently detected and preventable mental illness among people with human immunodeficiency syndrome, with rates two to four times higher than in the general population. Currently, depression is estimated to affect 350 million people worldwide. To assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinic at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Central Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 01 to September 30, 2021, at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia. A total of 420 individuals were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. After informed consent was obtained from each study participant, data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observations, and document reviews. Subsequently, the data were entered into EPI-Info Version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Variables with p-values less than 0.25 in the univariable logistic regression analysis were subsequently included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis to account for potential confounding factors. The association was measured using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and variables with p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of depression was 52.4% (95% CI 47.6-57.1). Factors significantly associated with depression among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy included employment status [AOR = 0.22(95% CI 0.13-0.36)], the patient's most CD4 count [AOR = 6.99 (95% CI 2.81-17.38)], duration of months on antiretroviral therapy [AOR = 5.05 (95% CI 2.38-10.74)] and presence of chronic non-communicable diseases [AOR = 7.90 (95% CI 4.21-14.85)]. The highest proportion of HIV-positive patients taking antiretroviral drugs exhibited depression. Employment was identified as a preventive factor, whereas having a low CD4 count, recently initiating antiretroviral therapy, and having chronic non-communicable diseases were associated with increased odds of depression among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy. There need to strengthen mental health screening and treat depression among HIV-positive patients, particularly by targeting identified factors.

Willingness of Racially Diverse Young Adults Living with HIV to Participate in HIV Cure Research: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the United States

Nearly half of new HIV cases in the United States are among youth. Little is known about the willingness of young adults living with HIV (YLWH) to participate in HIV cure-related research. In 2021, we recruited 271 YLWH aged 18-29 for an online survey. We asked questions about willingness to participate in HIV cure research, perceived risks and benefits, acceptable trade-offs, and perceptions on analytical treatment interruptions. We conducted descriptive analyses to summarize data and bivariate analyses to explore correlations by demographics. Most respondents (mean age = 26) identified as men (86%) and Black Americans (69%). YLWH expressed high willingness to consider participating in cell- and gene-based approaches (75%) and immune-based approaches (71%). Approximately 45% would be willing to let their viral load become detectable for a period of time during an HIV cure study, 27% would not be willing, and 28% did not know. The social risk most likely to deter participation was the possibility of transmitting HIV to sex partners while off HIV medications (65% of respondents would be deterred a great deal or a lot). Compared to the 25-29 age group (n = 192), the 18-24 age group (n = 79) was more likely to indicate that having to disclose HIV status would matter a great deal in considering participation in HIV cure research (38% vs. 21%, p = .003). Inclusion and engagement of YLWH are critical for advancing novel HIV curative agents. Our article concludes with possible considerations for engaging YLWH in HIV cure research. Physical, clinical, and social risks will need to be kept to a minimum, and research teams will need to proactively mitigate the possibility of transmitting HIV to sex partners while off HIV medications.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Depression in Elderly People Living with HIV/AIDS Based on Structural Equation Model: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guangxi, China

Purpose

The purpose of our study is to understand the current status of depression and medical social support in elderly HIV/AIDS, as well as the role of social support on depression, so as to provide a certain reference for reducing the occurrence of depression in the population.

Methods

A total of 115 participants with PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) aged 50 years or older were collected in Guilin from December 2021 to July 2022. Depression and medical social support were assessed using the Center for Streaming Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Medical Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS). The structural equation model was used to examine the relationship between medical social support and depression.

Results

Sixty-one of 115 participants developed depressive symptoms with a prevalence of 53.0%. The results of univariate analysis showed that ethnicity, health status, mean monthly income, antiviral treatment status, and medical social support influenced PLWHA depression (P<0.05). Simple linear regression showed that health status (95% CI: -9.901~-2.635), and antiviral treatment status (95% CI: -12.969~-3.394) influent depression (P<0.05). There were associations between total medical social support, practical support dimension, message and emotional support dimension, social interactive cooperation dimension, emotional support dimension and depression (unadjusted and adjusted for contextual factors) (P < 0.05). Using multiple linear regression analyses, we found that medical-social support was negatively associated with depression with a standardized effect value of -0.223. PLWHA with higher medical social support had lower prevalence of depression.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the prevalence of depression among HIV/AIDS patients in Guilin is high. So the joint efforts of individuals, families, and society are needed to improve the physical and mental health of the PLWHA.

Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide/self-injury in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Botswana

Globally, mental health problems have been reported to be more common in youth living with HIV (YLWH) than in the general population, but routine mental health screening is rarely done in high-volume HIV clinics. In 2019, YLWH in a large HIV clinic in Botswana were screened using the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a pilot standard-of-care screening programme. Two-way ANOVA was used to describe the effects of age group (12-<16, 16-<20 and 20-25 years old) and sex on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Chi-square statistics were used to compare characteristics of YLWH with and without potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms based on question 9 in the PHQ-9. Among 1 469 YLWH, 33.1%, 44.3% and 15.0% had anxiety, depression and potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms respectively. YLWH of 20-25 years old and 16-<20 years old had higher GAD-7 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.014 and p = <0.001 respectively). Female YLWH of 20-25 years old had higher PHQ-9 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.002). There were no other sex-age dynamics that were statistically significant. Female YLWH endorsed more thoughts of suicidality/self-harm than males (17% versus 13%, p = 0.03 respectively). Given the proportion of YLWH with mental health symptoms, Botswana should enhance investments in mental health services for YLWH, especially for young female adults who bear a disproportionate burden.

Rumination influences the relationship between trauma and depression over time among youth living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Traumatizing events often result in long-term mental health symptoms. Identifying the features of the post-trauma experiences that can impact mental health symptoms is key to designing effective interventions.

METHODS

Youth living with HIV (YLH),1 predominantly sexual and gender minorities (SGM;2 84 % gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, pansexual identities), 78 % Black and Latino, (N = 170) were recruited in New Orleans, LA and Los Angeles, CA from 13 youth-serving agencies. They were assessed for trauma, rumination and depression, with 78 % reassessed for depression at 4 and 74 % at 8 months later. Relationships between these variables were examined using a Bayesian approach to structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

At recruitment, 78 % of YLH reported at least one traumatic event, and 21 % met the cut-off score indicating depression on the PHQ-9. Ruminations were reported by 41 % of YLH. While associations between trauma and depression were modest (rmean = 0.19), ruminations were moderately associated with depressive symptoms over time (rmean = 0.34). Ruminations were only modestly associated with trauma (rmean = 0.19) but had a robust negative association (λSTD = -0.29) with the slope of depressive symptoms such that the more ruminations YLH experienced, the smaller the decline in depression over time. The associations between trauma and depression were more modest (λSTD ≤ 0.12). Limitations The main limitations of this study are the lack of a scale to measure trauma and the use of a single item measure of rumination.

CONCLUSION

Ruminations appear to be associated with traumatic events for a large subset of young people, suggesting that future interventions should consider including components addressing ruminations.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov registration NCT03109431.

Association between COVID-19 risk-mitigation behaviors and specific mental disorders in youth

BACKGROUND

Although studies of adults show that pre-existing mental disorders increase risk for COVID-19 infection and severity, there is limited information about this association among youth. Mental disorders in general as well as specific types of disorders may influence the ability to comply with risk-mitigation strategies to reduce COVID-19 infection and transmission.

METHODS

Youth compliance (rated as "Never," "Sometimes," "Often," or "Very often/Always") with risk mitigation was reported by parents on the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) in January 2021. The sample comprised 314 female and 514 male participants from the large-scale Child Mind Institute Healthy Brain Network, a transdiagnostic self-referred, community sample of children and adolescents (ages 5-21). Responses were summarized using factor analysis of risk mitigation, and their associations with lifetime mental disorders (assessed via structured diagnostic interviews) were identified with linear regression analyses (adjusted for covariates). All analyses used R Project for Statistical Computing for Mac (v.4.0.5).

RESULTS

A two-factor model was the best-fitting solution. Factor 1 (avoidance behaviors) included avoiding groups, indoor settings, and other peoples' homes; avoidance scores were higher among youth with any anxiety disorder (p = .01). Factor 2 (hygiene behaviors) included using hand sanitizer, washing hands, and maintaining social distance; hygiene scores were lower among youth with ADHD (combined type) (p = .02). Mask wearing was common (90%), did not load on either factor, and was not associated with any mental health disorder.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Although most mental disorders examined were not associated with risk mitigation, youth with ADHD characterized by hyperactivity plus inattention may need additional support to consistently engage in risk-mitigation behaviors. Enhancing risk-mitigation strategies among at-risk groups of youth may help reduce COVID-19 infection and transmission.

Lay HIV counselors' knowledge and attitudes toward depression: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study at primary healthcare centers in Mozambique

Introduction

Depression is the most common mental disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS and has a negative impact on HIV treatment outcomes. Training lay HIV counselors to identify and manage depression may contribute to improved patient access and adherence to treatment, and reduce stigma and discrimination among lay health workers toward both HIV and depression. The purpose of this study was to assess the current knowledge and attitudes of lay HIV counselors toward managing depression in primary care in Mozambique.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study to assess depression-related knowledge and attitudes among lay HIV counselors in 13 primary healthcare facilities in Mozambique. We used the quantitative Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ) scale, followed by open-ended questions to further explore three key DAQ domains: the nature of depression, treatment preferences, and professional attitudes or reactions.

Results

The sample included 107 participants (77.6% female, mean age: 32.3 years, sd = 7.4). Most (82.2%) had less than a high/technical school education. Findings suggested that some HIV counselors had knowledge of depression and described it as a cluster of psychological symptoms (e.g., deep sadness, anguish, apathy, isolation, and low self-esteem) sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts, or as a consequence of life stressors such as loss of a loved one, abuse, unemployment or physical illness, including being diagnosed with HIV infection. HIV counselors identified talking to trusted people about their problems, including family and/or counseling with a psychotherapist, as the best way for patients to deal with depression. While acknowledging challenges, counselors found working with patients with depression to be rewarding.

Conclusion

Lay health counselors identified HIV and psychosocial issues as key risk factors for depression. They believed that the treatment approach should focus on social support and psychotherapy.

Association between COVID-19 Risk-Mitigation Behaviors and Specific Mental Disorders in Youth

Background : Although studies of adults show that pre-existing mental disorders increase risk for COVID-19 infection and severity, there is limited information about this association among youth. Mental disorders in general as well as specific types of disorders may influence their ability to comply with risk-mitigation strategies to reduce COVID-19 infection and transmission. Methods : Youth compliance (rated as "Never," "Sometimes," "Often," or "Very often/Always") with risk mitigation was reported by parents on the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) in January 2021. Responses were summarized using factor analysis of risk mitigation, and their associations with lifetime mental disorders (assessed via structured diagnostic interviews) were identified with linear regression analyses (adjusted for covariates). All analyses used R Project for Statistical Computing for Mac (v.4.0.5). Results : A two-factor model was the best-fitting solution. Factor 1 (avoidance behaviors) included avoiding groups, indoor settings, and other peoples' homes; avoidance was more likely among youth with any anxiety disorder (p=.01). Factor 2 (hygiene behaviors) included using hand sanitizer, washing hands, and maintaining social distance; practicing hygiene was less likely among youth with ADHD (combined type) (p=.02). Mask wearing, which did not load on either factor, was not associated with any mental health disorder. Conclusion and Relevance : Findings suggest that education and monitoring of risk-mitigation strategies in certain subgroups of youth may reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious diseases. Additionally, they highlight the need for greater attention to vaccine prioritization for individuals with ADHD.

Association between COVID-19 Risk-Mitigation Behaviors and Specific Mental Disorders in Youth

Importance

Although studies of adults show that pre-existing mental disorders increase risk for COVID-19 infection and severity, there is limited information about this association among youth. Mental disorders in general as well as specific types of disorders may influence their ability to comply with risk-mitigation strategies to reduce COVID-19 infection and transmission.

Objective

To examine associations between specific mental disorders and COVID-19 risk-mitigation practices among 314 female and 514 male youth.

Design

Youth compliance (rated as "Never," "Sometimes," "Often," or "Very often/Always") with risk mitigation was reported by parents on the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) in January 2021. Responses were summarized using factor analysis of risk mitigation, and their associations with lifetime mental disorders (assessed via structured diagnostic interviews) were identified with linear regression analyses (adjusted for covariates). All analyses used R Project for Statistical Computing for Mac (v.4.0.5).

Setting

The Healthy Brain Network (HBN) in New York City Participants. 314 female and 514 male youth (ages 5-21).

Main Outcomes and Measures

COVID-19 risk mitigation behaviors among youth.

Results

A two-factor model was the best-fitting solution. Factor 1 (avoidance behaviors) included avoiding groups, indoor settings, and other peoples' homes; avoidance was more likely among youth with any anxiety disorder (p=.01). Factor 2 (hygiene behaviors) included using hand sanitizer, washing hands, and maintaining social distance; practicing hygiene was less likely among youth with ADHD (combined type) (p=.02). Mask wearing, which did not load on either factor, was not associated with any mental health disorder.

Conclusion and Relevance

Findings suggest that education and monitoring of risk-mitigation strategies in certain subgroups of youth may reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious diseases. Additionally, they highlight the need for greater attention to vaccine prioritization for individuals with ADHD.

Key Points

Question: Are mental disorders among youth associated with COVID-19 risk-mitigation behaviors?Findings: Based on the parent CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) of 314 females and 514 males aged 5-21, youth with anxiety disorders were more likely to avoid high-risk exposure settings, and those with ADHD (combined type) were less likely to follow hygiene practices. In contrast, mask wearing was not associated with youth mental disorders.Meaning: Specific types of disorders in youth may interfere with their ability to employ risk-mitigation strategies that may lead to greater susceptibility to COVID-19.

Association of experienced and internalized stigma with self-disclosure of HIV status by youth living with HIV

We examined patterns of disclosure among youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Kenya, and the association between self-disclosure and antiretroviral therapy adherence, stigma, depression, resilience, and social support. Of 96 YLHIV, 78% were female, 33% were ages 14-18, and 40% acquired HIV perinatally. Sixty-three (66%) YLHIV had self-disclosed their HIV status; 67% to family and 43% to non-family members. Older YLHIV were 75% more likely to have self-disclosed than those 14-18 years. Of the 68 either married or ever sexually active, 45 (66%) did not disclose to their partners. Those who had self-disclosed were more likely to report internalized stigma (50% vs. 21%, prevalence ratio [PR] 2.3, 1.1-4.6), experienced stigma (26% vs. 3%, PR 11.0, 1.4-86), and elevated depressive symptoms (57% vs. 30%, PR 1.8, 1.0-3.1). The association with stigma was stronger with self-disclosure to family than non-family. Support should be provided to YLHIV during self-disclosure to mitigate psychosocial harms.

Depression and associated factors among HIV-positive youths attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Depression is recognized as a prominent health problem and a growing public health concern in HIV-positive youths. Despite this fact, in Ethiopia, there is a dearth of evidence on the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among HIV-positive youths.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 16 to June 01, 2020, among 331 HIV-positive youths attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Jimma town. A systematic random sampling technique was used to enroll study participants. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify factors associated with depression. Variables with a p-value ≤0.25 on the bivariable analysis were candidates for multivariable analysis. Adjusted odds ratios with the respective 95% CI were calculated and p-value <0.05 were used to set statistically significant variables in the multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 331 sampled HIV positive youth, 325 have participated in this study with a response rate of 98.2%. The prevalence of depression was 30.2% (95%CI:25.2%-35.1%). Female sex (AOR = 4.12, 95%CI:2.28-7.47), history of hospital admission (AOR = 2.45, 95%CI:1.28-4.70), discontinued education due to HIV/AIDS illness (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI:1.12-3.90), poor treatment adherence (AOR = 2.23, 95%CI:1.04-4.78), opportunistic infections (AOR = 2.16, 95%CI:1.17-3.97), high baseline viral load (AOR = 3.35, 95%CI:1.82-6.16) and ≤6 months duration of HIV diagnosis (AOR = 3.14, 95%CI: 1.47-5.72) were factors significantly associated with depression.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a high prevalence of depression among HIV-positive youths. Factors such as female sex, treatment non-adherence, opportunistic infections, Collapse

Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings

• Adult
• Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Demography
• Depression/complications
• Depression/epidemiology
• Ethiopia/epidemiology
• Female
• HIV Infections/complications
• HIV Infections/drug therapy
• HIV Infections/psychology
• Humans
• Male
• Prevalence
• Young Adult

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Grants

• Jimma University

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Affiliation(s)

Derara Girma Public Health Department, College of Health Sciences, Salale University, Fiche, Ethiopia
Sahilu Assegid Epidemiology Department, Institute of Public Health, Health Sciences College, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
Yenealem Gezahegn Epidemiology Department, Institute of Public Health, Health Sciences College, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia

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A non-specialist depression care pathway for adolescents living with HIV and transitioning into adult care in Peru: a nested, proof of concept pilot study

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) are disproportionally impacted by depression, experiencing worse HIV outcomes. Integrated depression and HIV care may support antiretroviral adherence. This study pilot tested for proof of concept a basic depression care pathway for ALWH to inform depression care integration with HIV services in Peru.

METHODS

ALWH were screened for depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants with PHQ-9 scores of ⩾10 or suicidal ideation (SI) were eligible for Psychological First Aid (PFA) delivered by non-mental health specialists. Participants with PHQ-9 re-assessments of ⩾20 or SI were referred to specialized services.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (11 female, 17 male) ALWH aged 15-21 years participated; n = 20 (71%) identified as heterosexual. Most (18/28) acquired HIV at birth. Baseline PHQ-9 scores were 0-4, n = 3 (11%); 5-9, n = 9 (32%); 10-14, n = 10 (36%); 15-19, n = 4 (14%); and 20-27, n = 2 (7%). Eleven participants (40%) reported SI. Among participants with PHQ-9 > 4, 92% (23/25) were not severe. Of the 21 (75%) of participants eligible for PFA, n = 9 (32%) accepted at least one session, of which n = 3 (33%) were linked to specialized care.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple care pathway operationalizing depression screening and non-specialist delivered emotional support is a first step toward integrated depression and HIV care for ALWH.

Addressing Health Inequities Exacerbated by COVID-19 Among Youth With HIV: Expanding Our Toolkit

Adolescents and young adults, aged 13-24 years, are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. Youth with HIV (YHIV) face many psychosocial and structural challenges resulting in poor clinical outcomes including lower rates of medication adherence and higher rates of uncontrolled HIV. The Johns Hopkins Intensive Primary Care clinic, a longstanding HIV care program in Baltimore, Maryland, cares for 76 YHIV (aged 13-24 years). The multidisciplinary team provides accessible, evidenced-based, culturally sensitive, coordinated and comprehensive patient and family-centered HIV primary care. However, the ability to provide these intensive, in-person services was abruptly disrupted by the necessary institutional, state, and national coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mitigation strategies. As most of our YHIV are from marginalized communities (racial/ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities) with existing health and social inequities that impede successful clinical outcomes and increase HIV disparities, there was heightened concern that COVID-19 would exacerbate these inequities and amplify the known HIV disparities. We chronicle the structural and logistic approaches that our team has taken to proactively address the social determinants of health that will be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting YHIV to maintain medication adherence and viral suppression.