ABSTRACT
Depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLWH) are associated with poorer overall health outcomes. We characterized depressive symptoms and improvements in symptomology among PLWH (≥ 19 years old) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We also examined associations between depressive symptomology and antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment interruptions. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10), within a longitudinal cohort study with three surveys administered 18-months apart. We used multivariable logistic regression to model factors associated with improvements in depressive symptoms (CES-D-10 scores from ≥ 10 to < 10). Of the 566 participants eligible for analysis 273 (48.2%) had CES-D scores indicating significant depressive symptoms (score ≥ 10) at enrollment. Improvements in symptoms at first follow-up were associated with greater HIV self-care on the Continuity of Care Scale (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17; 95% CI 1.03-1.32), and not having a previously reported mental health disorder diagnosis (aOR 2.86; 95% CI 1.01-8.13). Those reporting current cocaine use (aOR 0.33; 95% CI 0.12-0.91) and having a high school education, vs. less than, (aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.08-0.82) had lower odds of improvement in depressive symptomatology. CES-D scores ≥ 10 were not significantly associated with ART treatment interruptions during follow-up (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI:0.65-1.8). Supporting greater self-care and consideration of mental health management strategies in relation to HIV may be useful in promoting the wellbeing of PLWH who experience depressive symptoms.
