Prevalence and associated factors of depression among people living with HIV in two cities in China

Abstract

Objectives: Depression has significant effects on morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH). Current study estimated the rate of depressive disorder and identified the correlates of depressive disorder among PLWH in China.

Methods: 258 PLWH in China were recruited and interviewed with a structured questionnaire including measurements testing perceived stress, social support, perceived discrimination, and depression. Mediating effect of perceived stress between perceived discrimination and depression and moderating effect of social support on effect of perceived discrimination and perceived stress to depression were tested. Multivariate regression was used to examine the determinants of depression.

Results: The prevalence of mild to severe depression is 71.9%. The relationship between the perceived discrimination and depression is fully mediated by perceived stress (perceived discrimination that was statistically significant (β=0.153) to depression became non-significant after adding perceived stress in the regression model). Interaction term between social support and perceived stress has negative effects (β=-0.117) and explained a significant amount of variance (R(2)=0.018) in depression. Lower income, and higher perceived stress predicted more depressive symptoms.

Limitations: Cross-sectional study and self-report bias are major limitations of this study.

Conclusion: Depression among PLWH is a severe problem in China. Primary health care workers need to be trained in recognition and treatment in depression. Stress management skills and social support for PLWH are warranted.