Challenges of depression and suicidal ideation associated with aging with HIV/AIDS: implications for social work

Depressive symptoms among older adults with HIV in Namibia: the role of social support and spirituality

Background: More than 60% of older adults living with HIV reside in sub-Saharan Africa. Namibia has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates. This study examined the association between social support, spirituality and depressive symptoms.Method and results: The sample consisted of 147 Oshiwambo-speaking older adults (mean age = 61 years, SD = 6.92 years) with HIV in Namibia. By utilising a hierarchical multivariate regression method, this study found that social support from friends and spirituality showed a significant negative relationship to depressive symptoms. In addition, self-rated health status and alcohol use were significant sociodemographic predicitive factors of depressive symptoms.Conclusion: This study suggests the need to develop interventions and support programmes that incorporate peer support and spiritual practice to promote health and well-being among older persons living with HIV in Namibia.

HIV stigma, resilience and depressive symptoms among older adults living with HIV in rural Namibia

In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-positive older adults aged 50 years and older experience complex psychosocial issues in addition to dealing with their HIV status and the ageing process. This study focused on the association between HIV stigma, resilience, and depressive symptoms among 147 older adults from the Oshana and Ohangwena health facilities in rural Namibia. The study used the hierarchical multivariate regression analysis method to reveal that there was a positive association between HIV stigma (negative self-perceptions) and depression as well as a negative relationship between resilience and depression. In addition, being female and higher education were protective factors, and disclosure of HIV status was a risk factor to predict depressive symptoms among the target population. In order to reduce HIV stigma and enhance resilience among older adults living with HIV in Africa, this study suggests the need to develop evidence-based interventions to increase coping strategies and resilience.

Depression and Co-Occurring Health Determinants of Hispanic Men with HIV Infection in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region: A Pilot Study

HIV infection among Hispanic men is a public health concern. Certain factors have been identified that may contribute to the high rates of HIV infection among Hispanic men such as migration, acculturation, poverty, and depression. Hispanic men with HIV infection are at risk for additional co-occurring health issues. Given limited research few studies have focused specifically on Hispanic men with HIV infection residing in a U.S.-Mexico border community. This pilot study surveyed participants (n = 39), to better understand co-occurrence of health determinants, especially depression among Hispanic men with HIV infection. The study's findings indicate that clinicians need to be aware that factors may influence depression among people with Hispanic men with HIV infection. Clinicians also need awareness of the impact of depression on adherence to HIV care and treatment among Hispanic men with HIV infection. More research is needed to explore the relationship of HIV-related stigma, HIV disclosure, social support, and depression among Hispanic men with HIV infection.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on the Quality of Life, Emotional Status, and CD4 Cell Count of Patients Aging with HIV Infection

Long-term diagnosed and treated HIV-infected patients have to cope with a wide range of challenges that threaten their ability to age successfully. We report the results of a randomized controlled trial testing the effects of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program on quality of life (QoL), emotional status, and immune status over a 3-month period. Forty HIV-infected patients diagnosed prior to 1996 and on cART for a minimum of 5 years were randomized to follow an MBCT program (n = 20) or remain as controls (routine follow-up) (n = 20). A regression analysis was performed, and the measurement of effect size was estimated using Cohen's d. QoL, psychological stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms improved in the MBCT group compared with the control group. During follow-up, patients in the MBCT group had a significantly increased CD4 cell count. Effect sizes for MBCT on the variables assessed were large (d = 0.8). The findings suggest that this program may help to promote successful aging in these patients.

Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Aging: A Thematic Review

Il manque de recherche spécifique qui décrit les aspects sociaux du vieillissement avec le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine/syndrome d’immunodéficience acquise (VIH/SIDA) au Canada, malgré une augmentation globale de la population viellissante et l’augmentation du nombre de ceux qui vieillissent avec le VIH/SIDA. Une revue systématique de la littérature été menée en se focalisant sélectivement sur les aspects sociaux aux personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH/SIDA. Les thèmes principaux qui se dégagent dans la littérature sont l’âgisme et la stigmatisation, le sexe, la santé mentale et les soutiens sociales. On présente des recommandations sur la recherche à l’avenir, les modèles théoriques, et le programmatisation.

Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Aging: A Thematic Review

Il manque de recherche spécifique qui décrit les aspects sociaux du vieillissement avec le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine/syndrome d’immunodéficience acquise (VIH/SIDA) au Canada, malgré une augmentation globale de la population viellissante et l’augmentation du nombre de ceux qui vieillissent avec le VIH/SIDA. Une revue systématique de la littérature été menée en se focalisant sélectivement sur les aspects sociaux aux personnes âgées vivant avec le VIH/SIDA. Les thèmes principaux qui se dégagent dans la littérature sont l’âgisme et la stigmatisation, le sexe, la santé mentale et les soutiens sociales. On présente des recommandations sur la recherche à l’avenir, les modèles théoriques, et le programmatisation.