Depression, social support and adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS

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doi:10.1071/SH06062

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, Anne Mijch ^A ^C

^A 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





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Sexual Health 4(4) 227–232 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SH06062
Submitted: 3 November 2006 Accepted: 15 August 2007 Published online: 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.

Keywords: mood disorder.