Depressive Symptoms and Engagement in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care Following Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation

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.

Association Between Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Symptoms Screener (SAMISS) Scores and HIV Care Continuum Outcomes in People Newly Diagnosed with HIV in the US South

Mental illness (MI) and substance use (SU) are highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) and impact care outcomes. The Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Symptoms Screener (SAMISS) is a validated screener for MI and SU, but it is unknown how screening results at entry to care correlate with subsequent HIV outcomes. This is a retrospective chart review of individuals newly diagnosed with HIV between 2016 and 2019 in a Southern US, safety-net clinic. Baseline demographics, HIV risk factors, socioeconomic variables, and SAMISS screening scores were collected. Outcomes included retention in care, achieving virologic suppression (VS), and continuous VS. Data analyses included stepwise Cox and logistic multivariate regression modeling. Among the 544 newly diagnosed PWH, mean age was 35, 76% were male, 46% non-Hispanic Black, 40% Hispanic/other. Overall, 35% screened positive for SU and 41% for MI. A positive SU (odds ratio (OR) 0.66, p = 0.04) or MI (OR 0.65, p = 0.03) SAMISS screening was associated with lower retention in care in univariate analysis, but was not statistically significant after adjusting for other variables. Positive SAMISS screening for SU and MI were both associated with reduced continuous VS in univariate and multivariate analyses (SU: adjusted OR (aOR) 0.67, p = 0.05; MI: aOR 0.66, p = 0.03). SAMISS is a useful tool for prospectively identifying individuals at risk for low retention in care and for not achieving sustained VS. Future interventions guided by SAMISS may improve HIV care continuum outcomes.

HIV, substance use, and intersectional stigma: Associations with mental health among persons living with HIV who inject drugs in Russia

HIV stigma is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes. Intersectional stigma among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) results from interrelated, synergistic impacts of experiencing multiple stigma forms. Its relation with mental health outcomes is still an emerging area of study in this key population. This study aimed to evaluate associations of intersectional stigma, defined as endorsing high levels of HIV and substance use stigmas, with depressive and anxiety symptoms in a cohort of 111 PLHIV who inject drugs in St. Petersburg, Russia. Over a third of participants (37%) reported experiencing intersectional stigma (i.e., both stigma scores above the median). In adjusted analysis, lower Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9) scores (beta (β=-4.31, 95% CI: -7.11 - -1.51, p = 0.003) and Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7) scores (β=-3.64, 95% CI: -5.57 - -1.71, p < 0.001) were associated with having low scores for both HIV and substance use stigmas. Lower PHQ-9 scores (β=-3.46, 95% CI: -5.72 - -1.19, p = 0.003) and GAD-7 scores (β=-3.06, 95% CI: -4.62 - -1.50, p < 0.001) were also associated with high stigma on either HIV or substance use stigma scales. Controlling for demographics, depressive symptoms approximately linearly increased from both forms of stigma low to experiencing either form of stigma high to experiencing intersectional stigma, while levels of anxiety symptoms were comparable among participants with both types of stigma low and one stigma high. Participants who experienced intersectional stigma reported the greatest severity of both depressive and anxiety symptoms, as compared to individuals who endorsed low stigma scores (i.e., low stigma on both HIV and substance use stigma scales) or high scores of only one form of stigma. This suggests that intersectional stigma in this population of PLHIV who inject drugs in Russia is linked with worsened mental health outcomes, exceeding the effects of experiencing one form of stigma alone. Interventions to help people cope with intersectional stigma need to consider affective symptoms and tailor coping strategies to address impacts of multiple forms of mental health distress.

The role of depression in secondary HIV transmission among people who inject drugs in Vietnam: A mathematical modeling analysis

Background

Among people who inject drugs (PWID), depression burden is high and may interfere with HIV prevention efforts. Although depression is known to affect injecting behaviors and HIV treatment, its overall impact on HIV transmission has not been quantified. Using mathematical modeling, we sought to estimate secondary HIV transmissions and identify differences by depression among PWID.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal data from 455 PWID living with HIV in Vietnam during 2009–2013. Using a Bernoulli process model with individual-level viral load and behavioral data from baseline and 6-month follow-up visits, we estimated secondary HIV transmission events from participants to their potentially susceptible injecting partners. To evaluate differences by depression, we compared modeled transmissions per 1,000 PWID across depressive symptom categories (severe, mild, or no symptoms) in the three months before each visit.

Results

We estimated a median of 41.2 (2.5^th, 97.5^th percentiles: 33.2–49.2) secondary transmissions from all reported acts of sharing injection equipment with 833 injecting partners in the three months before baseline. Nearly half (41%) of modeled transmissions arose from fewer than 5% of participants in that period. Modeled transmissions per 1,000 PWID in that period were highest for severe depressive symptoms (100.4, 80.6–120.2) vs. mild (87.0, 68.2–109.4) or no symptoms (78.9, 63.4–94.1). Transmission estimates fell to near-zero at the 6-month visit.

Conclusions

Secondary transmissions were predicted to increase with depression severity, although most arose from a small number of participants. Our findings suggest that effective depression interventions could have the important added benefit of reducing HIV transmission among PWID.

Two decade trends in cardiovascular disease outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors among US veterans living with HIV

Coomprhensive data on temporal trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes in people living with HIV are limited. Using retrospective data on 50,284 US Veterans living with HIV (VLWH) who received care in the VA from 2001 to 2019, we calculated the prevalence and incidence estimates of CVD risk factors and outcomes, as well as the average annual percent changes (AAPC) in the estimates. The mean age of the Veterans increased from 47.8 (9.1) years to 58.0 (12.4) years during the study period. The population remained predominantly (>95%) male and majority Black (∼50%). The prevalence of the CVD outcomes increased progressively over the study period: coronary artery disease (3.9%-18.7%), peripheral artery disease (2.3%, 10.3%), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (1.1%-9.9%), and heart failure (2.4%-10.5%). There was a progressive increase in risk factor burden, except for smoking which declined after 2015. The AAPC in prevalence was statistically significant for the CVD outcomes and risk factors. When adjusted for age, the predicted prevalence of CVD risk factors and outcomes showed comparable (but attenuated) trends. There was generally a comparable (but attenuated) trend in incidence of CVD outcomes, procedures, and risk factors over the study period. The use of statins increased from 10.6% (2001) to 40.8% (2019). Antiretroviral therapy usage increased from 77.7% (2001) to 85.0% (2019). In conclusion, in a retrospective analysis of large-scale VA data we found the burden and incidence of several CVD risk factors and outcomes have increased among VLWH over the past 20 years.

Burden and Correlates of Mental Health Symptoms Among Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Engaged in HIV Care in Atlanta

Mental health comorbidities are prevalent among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YB-GBMSM) living with HIV and can adversely impact HIV-related outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study with 100 YB-GBMSM recruited from two HIV care centers in Atlanta, and constructed multivariable logistic and linear regression models to examine correlates of depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, and general well-being. In adjusted models, full-time employment was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, while HIV stigma and substance use were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Younger age and full-time employment were negatively associated with severe anxiety, while HIV stigma was positively associated with severe anxiety and trauma symptoms. Trust in physicians, lower HIV stigma, full-time employment, and lack of substance use were associated with higher average general well-being scores. In conclusion, we found high frequency of depressive, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms among this sample of YB-GBMSM living with HIV. Unemployment, substance use, and HIV stigma emerged as particularly salient correlates of psychological morbidity, suggesting a need for structural and community-level interventions to address mental health in this population.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among older adults living with HIV

Since the emergency approval of several therapeutic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in the United States, >500 million doses have been administered. However, there have been disparities in vaccine acceptability and uptake. We examined demographic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, and psychosocial factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptability in older adults (≥50 years) living with HIV in the Coachella Valley, California. Participants completed a 1-time anonymous online questionnaire assessing their demographic (i.e., age, race, education, etc), HIV disease (i.e., viral suppression, years living with HIV, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosis), psychosocial (i.e., HIV-related stigma, personal mastery, depression, etc) characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptability. Respondents were offered an electronic $20 United States dollar (USD) gift card for survey completion. Descriptive, univariable, and multivariable tests were conducted to analyze the data. Between September 2020 and February 2021, 114 surveys were completed. Eighty-six (75%) agreed/strongly agreed with the COVID-19 vaccine acceptability statement that they saw no problem with receiving a COVID-19 vaccine if one became available. Among those who agreed/strongly agreed, the mean age was 62.2 years (standard deviation = 7.20); 86% self-identified as White; 95% male; 91% with more than high school education; and 31% with annual income <$20,000 USD. Among respondents who disagreed/strongly disagreed, the mean age was 59.9 years (standard deviation = 4.85); 50% self-identified as White; 50% male; 64% with more than high school education; and 4% with annual income <$20,000 USD. In the univariable analyses, those who disagreed/strongly disagreed with the COVID-19 vaccine acceptability statement were significantly more likely to be living with HIV for fewer years, experiencing higher levels of HIV-related stigma and depression, and with lower levels of personal mastery. In the multivariable logistic regression model, self-identification as female vs male and unemployed vs employed was significantly associated with decreased COVID-19 vaccine acceptability (odds ratio = 0.09, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.71 and odds ratio = 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.70 respectively), adjusting for ethnicity, marital status, education, disability, years living with HIV, HIV-related stigma, and depression. Additional studies are needed to understand vaccine-related decision-making among older adults living with HIV. Programmatic efforts may also be necessary to disseminate accurate information/resources about COVID-19 vaccines to those with more recent HIV diagnoses, experiencing HIV-related stigma and depression, with lower levels of personal mastery, and facing socioeconomic disparities.

A comprehensive analysis of excess depressive disorder in women and men living with HIV in France compared to the general population

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive disorder in people living with HIV (PLWH) and evaluate its association with non-HIV-specific and HIV-specific factors in PLWH and in PLWH compared to the general population (GP). We used cross-sectional data from the QuAliV study, conducted within the ANRS-CO3 Aquitaine-AQUIVIH-NA cohort of PLWH in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (2018–2020), and a nationally-representative survey in the GP (EHIS-ESPS, 2014–2015), we included all participants aged ≥ 18 years old who had completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8). Depressive disorder was defined as Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score greater or equal to 10. Its association with non-HIV-specific (demographic, socio-economic, behavioral, health status), HIV-specific factors (immuno-viral markers, antiretrovirals, level of perceived HIV-stigma), and HIV-status was assessed using Poisson regression models with robust variance in women and men separately. We included 914 PLWH (683 men/231 women). More than one in five PLWH had depressive disorder. It was strongly associated with being younger and experiencing severe pain in both sexes. Unemployment in women, being single, and lack of family ties in men were also associated with depressive disorder. More than 30% of our sample reported HIV-stigma, with a dose–response relationship between level of perceived HIV-stigma and depressive disorder. The crude prevalence of depressive disorder was 2.49 (95%CI 1.92–3.22) and 4.20 (95%CI 3.48–5.05) times higher in women and men living with HIV respectively compared to GP counterparts and 1.46 (95%CI 1.09–1.95) and 2.45 (95%CI 1.93–3.09) times higher after adjustment for non-HIV specific factors. The adjusted prevalence ratio of depressive disorder was not significantly different in HIV-stigma free women, but remained twice as high in HIV-stigma free men. The prevalence of depressive disorder compared to the GP tended to decrease with age in PLWH. Excess depressive disorder remains a major concern in PLWH. Our findings reaffirm the importance of regular screening. Tackling social inequalities and HIV-stigma should be prioritized to ensure that PLWH achieve good mental as well as physical health outcomes.

Depressive symptoms are no longer a barrier to HCV treatment initiation in the HIV–HCV co-infected population in Canada

Background

Psychiatric illness was a major barrier for HCV treatment during the Interferon (IFN) treatment era due to neuropsychiatric side effects. While direct acting antivirals (DAA) are better tolerated, patient-level barriers persist. We aimed to assess the effect of depressive symptoms on time to HCV treatment initiation among HIV–HCV co-infected persons during the IFN (2003–2011) and second-generation DAA (2013–2020) eras.

Methods

We used data from the Canadian Co-infection Cohort, a multicentre prospective cohort, and its associated sub-study on Food Security (FS). We predicted Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10 (CES-D-10) classes for depressive symptoms indicative of a depression risk using a random forest classifier and corrected for misclassification using predictive value-based record-level correction. We used marginal structural Cox proportional hazards models with inverse weighting for competing risks (death) to assess the effect of depressive symptoms on treatment initiation among HCV RNA-positive participants.

Results

We included 590 and 1127 participants in the IFN and DAA eras. The treatment initiation rate increased from 9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 7–10) to 21 (95% CI: 19–22) per 100 person-years from the IFN to DAA era. Treatment initiation was lower among those with depressive symptoms compared to those without in the IFN era (hazard ratio: 0.81 (95% CI: 0.69–0.95)) and was higher in the DAA era (1.19 (95% CI: 1.10–1.27)).

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms no longer appear to be a barrier to HCV treatment initiation in the co-infected population in the DAA era. The higher rate of treatment initiation in individuals with depressive symptoms suggests those previously unable to tolerate IFN are now accessing treatment.

A systematic review of engagement in care and health care utilization among older adults living with HIV and non-communicable diseases

It is critical to understand health care engagement and utilization among older persons living with HIV (OPWH) who may have greater burden for non-communicable diseases. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review using 5 electronic databases was conducted to appraise and synthesize the current literature on the relationship of non-communicable diseases on engagement in care and health care utilization among OPWH. Original studies published in English between 2009 and 2019 were included, yielding 16 relevant articles. Overall, having co-morbid non-communicable diseases was associated with a decreased likelihood of initiating and adhering to ART. Being on ART and viral suppression were associated with better engagement in non-communicable disease care. Findings also suggest that an increasing number of co-morbidities is associated with higher health care utilization and financial burden. This review underscores the need for preventing and managing co-morbidities to enhance engagement in HIV care and that health care practitioners need to ensure that OPWH are engaged in care for both HIV and their co-morbid conditions by providing coordinated and integrated care.

Depression and Anxiety in Youth and Young Adults Living with HIV: Frequency and Associated Factors in Thai Setting

Integrative mental health care in HIV patients is an important contributor to successful therapy. This is a cross-sectional study in youth and young adults who attend routine HIV clinic at a tertiary care centre in Bangkok. We recruited 100 youth and 130 young adults living with HIV to evaluate the frequency of depression and anxiety and associated sociodemographic including sexual orientation and health-related behaviours. Overall, about a fifth of the participants had significant depression or anxiety. Interestingly, we found different factors associated with depression in youth and young adults living with HIV. Loss of their father, loss of close relatives or friends, and being unemployed or school exclusion were the factors associate with depression in youth; while dangerous alcohol use, feeling discriminated against and having lipodystrophy were factors in young adults. The understanding of the frequency and different associated factors can inform more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Global Systematic Review of Common Mental Health Disorders in Adults Living with HIV

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

By reviewing the most recent common mental health disorders (CMHD) studies in people living with HIV (PLWH) (2018-2020), this review discusses the prevalence of CMHD, factors associated with CMHD in PLWH, mental health in PLWH from vulnerable groups, the impact of CMHD on HIV disease progression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy and the efficacy of different treatment approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

After screening for eligibility 142 studies were included in the final systematic review. Only 27% of studies were conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, which carries the highest burn of HIV disease globally. Despite the well-established increased risk of CMHD in PLWH, the current prevalence remains high, with studies reporting 28%-62% of PLWH having mental health symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Despite the significant challenges that CMHDs present to successful HIV treatment, there are many mental health treatments and interventions which can improve outcomes in PLWH and opportunities to task-shift and integrate mental health care with HIV care.

A Prospective Study of Depressive Symptoms, Condomless Sex, and HIV Viral Load in HIV-Positive Female Sex Workers in Kenya

The relationships between depressive symptoms, viral suppression, and condomless sex were examined in a prospective cohort study of 369 HIV-positive Kenyan female sex workers. Participants were screened for depressive symptoms at baseline and every six months until completion of the study (up to 66 months). HIV viral load (VL) was measured every six months and prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing in vaginal secretions was performed quarterly. Mild or greater depressive symptoms were found in 100 (27.1%) women and were associated with increased risk of detectable VL (aRR 1.41, 95%CI 0.97-2.07, p-value = 0.07), but were not associated with detectable PSA. The co-occurrence of PSA detection and detectable VL at the same visit suggests the potential for HIV transmission but was uncommon (2.4% of visits). The prevalence of depressive symptoms and the association with detectable VL suggests the need for screening and treatment of depression for comprehensive HIV care in this population.

Depression and Viral Suppression Among Adults Living with HIV in Tanzania

Limited information is available on the association between depression and viral suppression among people living with HIV (PLH) in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 3996 adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Log-binomial models were used to assess the association between depression and the risk of an unsuppressed viral load (> 400 copies/mL) after 6 months of ART. Women who had depression at both initiation and after 6 months of treatment had 1.94 times (95% CI 1.22, 3.09; z = 2.78, p < 0.01) the risk of an unsuppressed viral load after 6 months of treatment as compared to women who did not have depression at either time point. Men with the top tertile of depressive symptoms after 6 months of treatment had 1.58 times the risk of an unsuppressed viral load (95% CI 1.04, 2.38; z = 2.15, p = 0.03) as compared to the lowest tertile. Research should be pursued on interventions to prevent and address depression among adults initiating ART to potentially support achievement of viral suppression.

Trajectories of Viral Suppression in People Living With HIV Receiving Coordinated Care: Differences by Comorbidities

BACKGROUND

In March of 2013, the Los Angeles County (LAC) Division of HIV and STD Programs implemented a clinic-based Medical Care Coordination (MCC) Program to increase viral suppression (VS) (<200 c/mL) among people living with HIV (PLWH) at high risk for poor health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate trajectories of VS and to assess whether these trajectories differed by stimulant use, housing instability, and depressive symptom severity as reported by PLWH participating in MCC.

METHODS

Data represent 6408 PLWH in LAC receiving services from the MCC Program and were obtained from LAC HIV surveillance data matched to behavioral assessments obtained across 35 Ryan White Program clinics participating in MCC. Piecewise mixed-effects logistic regression with a random intercept estimated probabilities of VS from 12 months before MCC enrollment through 36 months after enrollment, accounting for time by covariate interactions for 3 comorbid conditions: housing instability, stimulant use, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The overall probability of VS increased from 0.35 to 0.77 within the first 6 months in the MCC Program, and this probability was maintained up to 36 months after enrollment. Those who reported housing instability, stimulant use, or multiple comorbid conditions did not achieve the same probability of VS by 36 months as those with none of those comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that MCC improved the probability of VS for all patient groups regardless of the presence of comorbidities. However, those with comorbid conditions will still require increased support from patient-centered programs to address disparities in VS.

Depression, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and HIV viral suppression among people who inject drugs in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The burden of depression is high among people who inject drugs (PWID) and may contribute to the spread of HIV through poor treatment engagement and persistent viremia. We estimated the effects of depression on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and viral suppression among PWID living with HIV.

METHODS

Longitudinal data were collected from 455 PWID living with HIV in Vietnam during 2009-2013. We estimated the 6- and 12-month cumulative incidence of ART initiation and viral suppression, accounting for time-varying confounding, competing events, and missing data. The cumulative incidence difference (CID) contrasted the incidence of each outcome had participants always vs. never experienced severe depressive symptoms across study visits to date.

RESULTS

Severe depressive symptoms decreased the cumulative incidence of ART initiation, with CID values comparing always vs. never having severe depressive symptoms of -7.5 percentage points (95% CI: -17.2, 2.2) at 6 months and -7.1 (95% CI: -17.9, 3.7) at 12 months. There was no appreciable difference in the cumulative incidence of viral suppression at 6 months (CID = 0.3, 95% CI: -11.3, 11.9) or 12 months (CID = 2.0, 95% CI: -21.8, 25.8).

LIMITATIONS

Discrepancies between the ART initiation and viral suppression outcomes could be due to under-reporting of ART use and missing data on viral load.

CONCLUSIONS

Future work probing the seemingly antagonistic effect of depression on treatment uptake - but not viral suppression - will inform the design of interventions promoting HIV clinical outcomes and reducing onward transmission among PWID.

Implementation Science Protocol: evaluating evidence-informed interventions to improve care for people with HIV seen in Ryan White HIV/AIDS program settings

In 2017, the Health Resources and Services Administration's HIV/AIDS Bureau funded an Evaluation Center (EC) and a Coordinating Center for Technical Assistance (CCTA) to oversee the rapid implementation of 11 evidence-informed interventions at 26 HIV care and treatment providers across the U.S. This initiative aims to address persistent gaps in HIV-related health outcomes emerging from social determinants of health that negatively impact access to and retention in care. The EC adapted the Conceptual Model of Implementation Research to develop a Hybrid Type III, multi-site mixed-methods evaluation, described in this paper. The results of the evaluation will describe strategies associated with uptake, implementation outcomes, as well as HIV-related health outcomes for clients engaged in the evidence-informed interventions. This approach will allow us to understand in detail the processes that sites undergo to implement these important intervention strategies for high priority populations.

Latent Alcohol Use Typologies and Health Status Among a Cohort of Adults Living with HIV

AIMS

To characterize latent typologies of alcohol use among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) and test their relationship with physical and mental health status.

METHODS

Baseline data from 365 adult in-care PLWH enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV study were analyzed. Indicators of current and former heavy drinking, intoxication, withdrawal and dependence symptoms, alcohol-related problems and past contact with alcohol use treatment were drawn from validated scales. Physical and mental health measures included SF-36 subscales, medication non-adherence and anxiety, depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Latent class analysis was conducted to characterize alcohol drinking typologies. Logistic and ordinary least-squares regression were employed to test associations between alcohol use and health status.

RESULTS

Four latent classes were identified: heavy drinkers (36%), former heavy drinkers (14%), heavy drinkers with problems (12%) and low-risk drinkers/abstainers (38%). Controlling for background characteristics, low-risk drinkers/abstainers showed significantly better health compared to heavy drinkers with problems across most domains. Although current and former heavy drinkers without alcohol-related problems were similar to heavy drinkers with problems in most health domains, they presented worse mental health and energy compared to low-risk drinkers/abstainers.

CONCLUSIONS

Heavy drinkers with alcohol-related problems evidenced the worst health status among PLWH, and should be considered for mental and physical health interventions. However, interventions to improve physical and mental health of PLWH should consider history of heavy alcohol use, as current alcohol use status alone may be insufficient for identifying groups at increased risk.

Effect of a WeChat-Based Intervention (Run4Love) on Depressive Symptoms Among People Living With HIV in China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) have high rates of depressive symptoms. However, only a few effective mental health interventions exist for this vulnerable population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, with a randomized controlled trial among 300 people living with HIV and depression (PLWHD) in China.

METHODS

We recruited PLWH from the HIV outpatient clinic in South China. Participants were screened based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Those who scored 16 or higher were eligible to participate. A total of 300 eligible patients were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent from the participants, completion of a baseline survey, and collection of participants' hair samples for measuring cortisol, the participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received the Run4Love program, delivered via the popular social media app WeChat. Cognitive behavioral stress management courses and weekly reminders of exercise were delivered in a multimedia format. Participants' progress was monitored with timely and tailored feedback. The control group received usual care and a brochure on nutrition for PLWH. Data were collected at 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcome was depression, which was measured by a validated instrument.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention and control groups were comparable at baseline; about 91.3% (139/150), 88.3% (132/150), and 86.7% (130/150) participants completed the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups, respectively. At the 3-month follow-up, a significant reduction in CES-D score was observed in the intervention group (from 23.9 to 17.7 vs from 24.3 to 23.8; mean difference=-5.77, 95% CI -7.82 to -3.71; P<.001; standard effect size d=0.66). The mean changes in CES-D score from baseline to the 6- and 9-month follow-ups between the two groups remained statistically significant. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The WeChat-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention Run4Love significantly reduced depressive symptoms among PLWHD, and the effect was sustained. An app-based mHealth intervention could provide a feasible therapeutic option for many PLWHD in resource-limited settings. Further research is needed to assess generalizability and cost-effectiveness of this intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019 (Archived by WebCite at https://www.webcitation.org/78Bw2vouF).

Beyond one pill, once daily: current challenges of antiretroviral therapy management in the United States

Introduction: Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized HIV treatment. ART regimens are now highly efficacious, well-tolerated, safe, often with one multi-drug pill, once-daily regimens available. However, clinical challenges persist in managing ART in persons with HIV (PWH), such as drug-drug interactions, side effects, pregnancy, co-morbidities, and adherence.Areas Covered: In this review, we discuss the ongoing challenges of ART for adults in the United States. We review the difficulties of initiating ART and maintaining therapy throughout adulthood and discuss new agents and strategies under investigation to address these issues. A PubMed search was utilized to identify relevant publications and guidelines through July 2019.Expert Opinion: Challenges persist in initiation and maintenance of ART. An individual's coexisting medical, social and personal factors must be considered in selecting and continuing ART to ensure safety, tolerability, and efficacy throughout adulthood. Continued development of new therapeutics and novel approaches to ART, such as long acting drugs or dual therapy, are needed to respond to many of these challenges. In addition, future research must address therapeutic disparities for populations historically underrepresented in clinical trials, including women, people aging with HIV, and those with complex comorbidities.

HIV care cascade before and after hospitalization: impact of a multidisciplinary inpatient team in the US South

Hospitalization represents a unique opportunity to re-engage out-of-care individuals, improve HIV outcomes and reduce health disparities. Electronic health records of HIV-positive individuals hospitalized at an urban, public hospital between September 2013 and December 2015 were reviewed. In October 2014, a multidisciplinary HIV consult team (HIV specialist, case manager, and transitional care nurse (TCN)) was implemented. Engagement in care, retention in care and virologic suppression before and after hospitalization were compared between the pre- and post-intervention periods and by treatment received. Of 1056 inpatient admissions (pre-intervention = 571, post-intervention = 485), the majority were among males (69%) and racial/ethnic minorities (55% Black, 23% Hispanic). Each step of the HIV care cascade increased after hospitalization for both time periods (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Those who received the HIV consult (N = 131) or consult + TCN (N = 128) had greater increases in engagement in care (23.7% and 30.5% v. 11.1%, p = 0.04 and <0.01 respectively) and virologic suppression (28.3% and 29.7% v.7.1%, p <0.01 for both) than the no intervention (N = 225) subgroup. Hospitalized patients with HIV have low rates of engagement in care, retention in care and virologic suppression, though all three outcomes improved after hospitalization. A multidisciplinary transitions team improved care engagement and virologic suppression in those who received the intervention.

Mechanisms and Effects of a WeChat-Based Intervention on Suicide Among People Living With HIV and Depression: Path Model Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

People living with HIV and depression have high rates of suicide. Studies of mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving mental health in people living with HIV and depression. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms and effects of mHealth interventions on suicide.

Objective

This study was designed to examine the mechanisms and effects of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, on suicide among people living with HIV and depression in China, while considering perceived stress and depressive symptoms as mediators.

Methods

A sample of 300 People living with HIV and depression was recruited from the outpatient clinic of a large HIV or AIDS treatment hospital and was randomized to the Run4Love group or a control group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Path analysis modeling, with longitudinal data, was used in data analyses.

Results

The Run4Love mHealth intervention had a direct effect on reducing suicide rate at the 6-month follow-up (beta=−.18, P=.02) and indirect effect through reducing perceived stress and depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow-up (beta=−.09, P=.001). A partial mediating effect between perceived stress and depressive symptoms accounted for 33% (–0.09/–0.27) of the total effect.

Conclusions

Through path analyses, we understood the mechanisms and effects of an mHealth intervention on suicide prevention. The findings underscored the importance of stress reduction and depression treatment in such a program. We call for more effective suicide prevention, especially mHealth interventions targeting the vulnerable population of people living with HIV and depression.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=21019

The Impact of Cumulative Depression Along the HIV Care Continuum in Women Living With HIV During the Era of Universal Antiretroviral Treatment

BACKGROUND

Data are limited on cumulative impacts of depression on engagement in care and HIV outcomes in women living with HIV (WLWH) during the era of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART). Understanding the relationship of accumulated depression with HIV disease management may help identify benefits of interventions to reduce severity and duration of depressive episodes.

SETTING

A cohort of WLWH (N = 1491) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study at 9 sites across the US.

METHODS

This longitudinal observational cohort study (2013-2017) followed WLWH for a maximum of 9 semiannual visits. Depression was quantified as a time-updated measure of percent of days depressed (PDD) created from repeated assessments using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Marginal structural Poisson regression models were used to estimate the effects of PDD on the risks of missing an HIV care appointment, <95% ART adherence, and virological failure (≥200 copies/mL).

RESULTS

The risk of missing an HIV care appointment [risk ratio (RR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval = 0.93 to 1.45; risk difference (RD) = 0.01, -0.01 to 0.03], being <95% ART adherent (RR = 1.27, 1.06-1.52; RD = 0.04, -0.01 to 0.07), and virological failure (RR = 1.09, 1.01-1.18; RD = 0.01, -0.01 to 0.03) increased monotonically with increasing PDD (comparing those with 25 to those with 0 PDD). The total effect of PDD on virological failure was fully (%100) mediated by being <95% ART adherent.

CONCLUSIONS

Time spent depressed increases the risk of virological failure through ART adherence, even in the era of universal ART regimes forgiving of imperfect adherence.