Aims: This study examined the changes and the predictors of suicide ideation/suicide attempt and the moderating effects of psychosocial factors on the suicide ideation/suicide attempts among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients at 6-12 months post-diagnosis.
Background: Suicide behaviours are prevalent among newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, but the changes in suicide behaviours after diagnosis and the role of psychosocial factors in these behaviours are not well studied.
Design: This study used a prospective longitudinal design.
Methods: A total of 113 participants diagnosed as HIV-positive for 6-12 months were recruited from the outpatient department. Data were collected from June 2015 - October 2016. They were asked to complete Beck's Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Body Image Scale, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support at baseline, the third month and the sixth month.
Results: The results showed the high occurrence rates for suicide ideation ranging from 27.2%, 21.6%, and 25.8% and suicide attempt ranging from 14.7%, 8.6%, and 13.3% at the baseline, the third month and the sixth month, respectively. The education level, social support from family and depressive symptoms were the predictors of suicide ideation. The history of depression disorders, depressive symptoms and social support from friends significantly predicted suicide attempt. Meaning in life-presence moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicide ideation.
Conclusions: After diagnosed for 6-12 months, HIV-positive patients remain the high-risk group for suicide ideation and attempt. Suicide intervention targeting the risk and protective factors are required for HIV-positive patients.
Keywords: HIV; body image; depression; meaning in life; social support; suicide attempt; suicide ideation.
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.