ABSTRACT
This study investigates the differences in severity and correlates of depression symptoms among 1069 men and 267 women living with HIV in Ontario, Canada, who completed the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Women had higher CES-D scores than that of men (median [interquartile range]: 13 [5-26] versus 9 [3-20], P=.0004). More women had total CES-D scores>15 (mild-moderate depression; 44% versus 33%, P=.002) and >21 (severe depression; 31% versus 23%, P=.003). Unlike men, at age 40, women's scores increased yearly (0.4 per increased year, P=.005). The distribution of scores differed by gender: There was no difference in the 10th percentile of depression scores, 0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-1.0) but the 75th percentile of depression scores for women was 6 (95% CI: 2.0-10.0) points higher than that of men. Important gender differences exist in depression symptoms and in correlates of symptoms in people living with HIV.
Subject(s)
Depression/epidemiology , HIV Infections/complications , Adult , Age Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/diagnosis , Depression/etiology , Depression/psychology , Female , HIV Infections/psychology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ontario/epidemiology , Severity of Illness Index , Sex FactorsABSTRACT
Prior investigations suggest that women living with HIV (WLWH) experience higher rates of anxiety compared to the general population. This study investigates correlates of anxiety among 361 WLWH of reproductive age in Ontario, Canada who completed a series of self-reported measures. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A). Thirty-seven percent of the sample had high anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 11). HIV-related stigma, reproductive health-related worries, having experienced judgment from family and friends for trying to become pregnant and use of antiretrovirals were associated with high anxiety. Being in a romantic/sexual relationship, older age, and undetectable viral load were associated with low anxiety. Findings highlight the importance of HIV-related stigma and having experienced judgment from family and friends for trying to become pregnant as important predictors of anxiety among WLWH of reproductive age. There is a need for appropriate management of anxiety and stigma for WLWH of childbearing age.
