Social and mental health characteristics of adolescents living with HIV in Mexico: Implications for adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

Mexico is the third Latin American country with the most children and adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALHIV). There is a lack of information on the characteristics of this population. We aimed to describe the social and mental health characteristics of Mexican ALHIV. A census was conducted of all adolescent patients with HIV at a pediatric hospital (n = 47; mean age 14.39, S.D. = 3.65) and their caregivers. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, family, intelligence, mental health, adverse life events, substance use, treatment, knowledge of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) and HIV, and biomarkers. Most cases were transmitted vertically and self-reported ART adherence was above 90%. Some obstacles to adherence were medicine discomfort, believing that they did not need it, and forgetfulness. The vulnerabilities were intellectual disability, adverse life events, possible mental health problems, and little knowledge of their illness and treatment. These findings suggest the importance of interventions to improve the perception and knowledge of HIV and ART to increase ART adherence.

Assessing HIV knowledge in Mexican people living with HIV: development and validation of CC-VIH questionnaire.

The level of knowledge that people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have about their disease can impact their adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to assess the knowledge about HIV among people receiving treatment at a specialized clinic in Mexico City. To establish content validity, expert judges were invited to conceptualize the tool and propose items for the defined dimensions. A total of 490 individuals living with HIV completed the 91-item questionnaire, with 82.2% being male and a mean age of 36.1 years. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis, resulting in a reduced questionnaire of 45 questions. A three-factor solution explained 36.2% of the variance in HIV knowledge. The total scale had a reliability coefficient of 0.937, and each subscale had reliabilities of 0.828, 0.856 and 0.859. Lower educational level (F(336) = 8.488, p < 0.001) and female gender (t(399) = 2.003, p = 0.046) were associated with lower scores on the HIV knowledge questionnaire. This tool appears suitable for measuring HIV knowledge in people living with HIV, although future studies are required to confirm its structure and reduce its extension.

Anxiety and Depression in Family Members of Critically Ill Covid-19 Inpatients: Brief Psychological Interventions via Telephone, an Exploratory Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the level of anxiety and depression in relatives of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and to perform an exploratory pilot study on the implementation of telephone psychological interventions to reduce the initial levels of anxiety and depression in this population. Patients and Methods: Family members of COVID-19 inpatients at ICU answered GAD-7, PHQ-9 and questions on socio-demographic data. A brief psychological intervention was applied via telephone based on the needs of the participants (with adequate adaptation, with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both). After intervention, participants completed the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. Results: A total of 1307 relatives were included (66.5% female), 34% and 29% had anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. These symptoms were associated with female gender, unemployment, and being the parent or partner of the patient. After intervention, 57.9% reported felt better, 31.3% a little better and 6.6% much better; and with emotional regulation techniques and psychoeducation, higher percentages of feeling better or much better were reported. Conclusion: Brief interventions to reduce the psychological impact of inpatient family members could be effective but will need to be explored further in future studies.

Mental health and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among Mexican people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The mental health and medical follow-up of people living with HIV (PLWH) have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives of this study were to assess anxiety, depression and substance use in Mexican PLWH during the pandemic; to explore the association of these symptoms with adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and to compare patients with and without vulnerability factors (low socioeconomic level, previous psychological and/or psychiatric treatment). METHODS: We studied 1259 participants in a cross-sectional study, PLWH receiving care at the HIV clinic in Mexico City were contacted by telephone and invited to participate in the study. We included PLWH were receiving ART; answered a structured interview on sociodemographic data and adherence to ART; and completed the psychological instruments to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms and substance use risk. Data collection was performed from June 2020 to October 2021. RESULTS: 84.7% were men, 8% had inadequate ART adherence, 11% had moderate-severe symptoms of depression, and 13% had moderate-severe symptoms of anxiety. Adherence was related to psychological symptoms (p < 0.001). Vulnerable patients were more likely to be women, with low educational level and unemployed (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to address mental health of PLWH during the COVID-19 pandemic, with special attention to the most vulnerable individuals. Future studies are needed to understand the relationship between mental health and ART adherence.

Measuring confidence in physician: Adaptation and validation of TPS in HIV individuals from Mexico / Evaluar confianza en el médico: Adaptación y validación del Trust in Physician Scale (TPS) en personas mexicanas que viven con VIH

Abstract Introduction Patient-physician relationship is associated with ART adherence and medical follow-up in people living with HIV (PLWH). Patient's trust in their doctor is a key component of patient-physician relationship, so adequate and reliable instruments to measure this component are important to evaluate its impact on health outcomes. Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties of a translated and adapted version of Trust in Physician Scale (TPS) in Mexican PLWH. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out in PLWH. Scale was translated to Spanish and culturally adapted. Sociodemographic and TPS data were collected online due to COVID-19 pandemic. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis were carried out in two different samples. Results Data from 215 participants was used to EFA. Five items were eliminated due to low correlation with total scale. Final Cronbach's alpha was .93. A single-factor structure explained 68.8% of the variance. CFA in a sample of 140 participants confirmed adequate fit indices (χ2[7] = 13.015 p = .072, CFI = .997, RMSEA = .057, SMRS = .0015). Discussion and conclusion The final scale was unifactorial and it is made up of six items instead of 11. It seems to be a valid and reliable scale to measure patient's trust in doctors in Mexican PLWH. Further studies are recommended to provide evidence of convergent validity to the instrument.

Resumen Introducción La relación médico-paciente está asociada a la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral y al seguimiento médico en las personas que viven con VIH (PVVS). La confianza de los pacientes en sus médicos es un componente clave de la relación médico-paciente, por lo que es importante disponer de instrumentos adecuados y fiables para medir este componente y evaluar su impacto en los resultados de salud. Objetivo Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de una versión traducida y adaptada de la Trust in Physician Scale (TPS) en PVVS mexicanas. Método Se realizó un estudio transversal en adultos con VIH. La escala fue traducida al español y adaptada culturalmente. Los datos sociodemográficos y de la TPS se recogieron en línea debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios (AFE) y confirmatorios (AFC) en dos muestras diferentes. Resultados Se utilizaron los datos de 215 participantes para el AFE. Se eliminaron cinco ítems debido a la baja correlación con la escala total. El alfa de Cronbach final fue de .93. Una estructura unifactorial explicó el 68.8% de la varianza. El AFC en una muestra de 140 participantes confirmó la adecuación del modelo mostrando índices de ajuste adecuados (χ2[7] = 13.015 p = .072, CFI = .997, RMSEA =.057, SMRS = .0015). Discusión y conclusión La escala final fue unifactorial y se compuso de seis ítems en lugar de 11. Parece ser una escala válida y fiable para medir la confianza del paciente en los médicos en PVVS mexicanas. Se recomiendan más estudios para buscar evidencia de validez convergente del instrumento.

Clinical Follow-Up in People Living with HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico.

Clinical follow-up in people living with HIV (PLWH) has individual and public health implications. The objectives of this study were to measure variables related to follow-up failures, identify self-reported reasons to maintain adequate follow-up or for having follow-up failures, and know how the pandemic influenced patients' clinical follow-up. Participants were PLWH receiving HIV-health care at a hospital-based clinic in Mexico City which became an exclusive COVID-19 health service. Participants completed a telephone semi-structured interview and online psychological questionnaires. Lower educational and socioeconomic level, longer times of transportation to the clinic, being attended by different doctors, detectable viral load, having previous dropouts, inadequate antiretroviral adherence, and less HIV knowledge were related to follow-up failures. COVID-19 had a significant negative impact, but it also had positive repercussions for patients with adequate follow-up. These results could help develop effective psychosocial programs and improve healthcare in institutions to facilitate patient retention.

RESUMEN: El seguimiento clínico en las personas que viven con VIH (PVV) tiene implicaciones individuales y de salud pública. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron medir las variables relacionadas con las fallas en el seguimiento, identificar las razones reportadas para mantener un seguimiento adecuado o para tener fallas en el seguimiento, y conocer cómo la pandemia influyó en el seguimiento clínico de los individuos. Los participantes eran PVV que recibían atención médica para el VIH en una clínica hospitalaria de Ciudad de México que se convirtió en un servicio exclusivo para COVID-19. Los participantes completaron una entrevista semiestructurada por teléfono y cuestionarios psicológicos en línea. El nivel educativo y socioeconómico más bajo, mayor tiempo de transporte a la clínica, falta de continuidad del médico, carga viral detectable, tener abandonos previos, inadecuada adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral y menor conocimiento del VIH se relacionaron con las fallas en el seguimiento. La pandemia demostró tener un importante impacto negativo, pero también tuvo repercusiones positivas para los pacientes con un seguimiento adecuado. Estos resultados son importantes para desarrollar programas psicosociales eficaces y mejorar la atención sanitaria en las instituciones para facilitar la retención de los pacientes.

Assessment of anxiety in Mexican persons living with HIV using a culturally-adapted version of the GAD-7 test.

Our aim was to assess the severity of anxiety in PLWHA in Mexico City and obtain the psychometric properties of the culturally-adapted Spanish version of GAD-7. Thirteen percent of participants presented moderate to severe symptoms. Reliability (α = 0.82) and construct validity (single-factor explained 48.9% of variance) were evaluated in 411 participants. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed in a second sample of 527 participants. Model fit adequately (CFI = 0.991; CMIN/DF = 1.924; RMSEA = 0.042; and SRMR = 0.026). The adapted version of GAD-7 was adequate for the assessment of anxiety in Mexican PLWHA.

Effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy on anxiety, depression and condom use in people with HIV in Mexico City: a pilot study.

Anxiety and depression in people living with HIV (PLWH) are negatively associated with healthy sexual behaviours. We pilot-tested a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based intervention to reduce anxiety and depression, aimed to increase serostatus disclosure to sexual partners, quality of sexual life (QoSL) and condom use. The study had a single-case experimental design (AB) with follow-up measures. Eleven PLWH with moderate/severe anxiety/depression received six-module CBT intervention delivered in ten one-hour individual weekly sessions. Anxiety, depression, consistent/correct condom use and QoSL were measured. Depression and anxiety decreased after the intervention (depression baseline [BL] Mdn = 21, final [F] Mdn = 3, z = -2.934, p = .003; anxiety BL Mdn = 30, F Mdn = 4, z = -2.941, p = .003). QoSL improved (BL Mdn = 28, F Mdn = 13, z = -2.625, p = .009), along with participants' ability to use condoms (57.14 vs.100, z = -2.937, p = .003). Effect size was large, changes were maintained at follow-up measurements. The CBT intervention had positive effects in reducing anxiety and depression, which could facilitate the acquisition of healthy sexual behaviours. Further studies are important to clarify the benefits of targeting emotional variables to improve wellbeing and prevention behaviours in PLWH.

Design, validation and testing of short text messages for an HIV mobile-health intervention to improve antiretroviral treatment adherence in Mexico.

Mobile Health (mHealth) interventions have become effective strategies to increase adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWH). mHealth interventions use phone calls, e-mails, smartphone apps or short text messages (SMS) as reminders of medical appointments or ART adherence. SMS are a highly accepted mHealth strategy. Systematized processes to validate SMS tailored to end-user preferences are required to increase the effectiveness of mHealth interventions. We describe a structured approach to develop a set of SMS tailored to Mexican HIV+ individuals, focused on improving ART adherence and healthcare appointments. The process included three sequential phases: SMS design by HIV-healthcare professionals, validation by expert referees, and testing by PLWH. A set of 108 SMS in four categories (motivational self-healthcare messages, ART-collection, medical and laboratory-appointment reminders) was designed. Expert referees assessed 94.5% of messages as adequate, 65.7% as useful. Seventy-one SMS were further tested by PLWH, who considered 100% of SMS to be understandable and 57.7% useful. SMS had adequate intra-judge agreement scores for clarity and acceptability (ICC-2 = .08-.49). Qualitative feedback from expert referees and PLWH was incorporated into SMS. A final set of 41 highest-rated SMS was obtained. Careful validation of SMS could increase the effectiveness of mHealth interventions.

Why individuals fail to collect HIV-test results: an exploratory study at a testing and counseling center in Mexico City

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To identify the characteristics of clients at an HIV clinic in Mexico City who fail to collect their HIV test results and to explore the reasons for non-collection. Methods. This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that used 2016 program data from the HIV Testing and Counseling Center in Mexico City. Clients with a negative HIV-test result in 2016 were classified as collectors or non-collectors, and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were compared by multivariate logistic regression. A telephone survey was conducted with individuals who failed to return for their results. Results. In 2016, a total of 729 individuals obtained an HIV negative test result at the Center. Of these, 40% (n = 299) failed to collect results. In multivariate analysis, having a test requested by a physician, instead of by the individual, was the main variable associated with non-collection. The main reasons reported for not collecting were: unawareness of the collection process (23.6%, n = 21), already knowing the result (22.5%, n = 20), and scheduling difficulties (13.5%, n = 12). In all, 35% of clients were reached by telephone and 50% then returned to collect results. Conclusion. Modifications to the result-delivery system are needed to increase results collection. Improving communication with clients on the collection process and with physicians that request HIV testing could be viable strategies. Alternative ways of delivering results and using rapid HIV are other possible solutions, as long as risk reduction counseling and intervention are still effectively offered.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar las características de las personan que acuden a un consultorio de atención de la infección por el VIH en Ciudad de México y no regresan a retirar los resultados de las pruebas de detección del VIH, y explorar las razones de este comportamiento. Métodos. Este fue un estudio exploratorio y transversal que usó datos del programa correspondientes al 2016 de un centro de pruebas de detección del VIH y asesoramiento conexo en Ciudad de México. Se clasificó a las personas con resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en dos grupos, las que “retiraron los resultados” y las que “no retiraron los resultados”; sus características sociodemográficas y conductuales fueron comparadas mediante regresión logística multifactorial. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a las personas que no regresaron a buscar sus resultados. Resultados. En el 2016, 729 personas tuvieron un resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en el centro. De ellas, 40% (n = 299) no acudieron a retirar los resultados. En el análisis multifactorial, la variable principal asociada con el hecho de no acudir a buscar los resultados fue que la prueba hubiera sido solicitada por un médico, en vez de que la persona hubiera acudido por sí misma a realizársela. Las principales razones informadas para no presentarse a buscar los resultados fueron: desconocimiento de que debían ir a buscarlos (23,6%, n = 21), conocimiento previo del resultado (22,5%, n = 20) y problemas de horarios (13,5%, n = 12). En total, se logró contactar por teléfono a 35% de las personas y 50% luego acudieron a retirar los resultados. Conclusiones. Es necesario modificar el sistema de entrega de resultados para aumentar el número de personas que acuden a retirarlos. Algunas estrategias viables podrían ser mejorar la comunicación sobre el mecanismo de entrega de resultados con los pacientes y los médicos que solicitan las pruebas de detección del VIH. Otras soluciones posibles podrían ser mecanismos alternativos para informar los resultados o realización de pruebas rápidas de detección del VIH, siempre que se siga ofreciendo asesoramiento sobre la reducción de riesgos e intervenciones eficaces.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar as características dos pacientes de um serviço ambulatorial especializado em HIV na cidade do México que não voltam para buscar os resultados do teste do HIV e examinar os motivos para não voltarem para buscar os resultados. Métodos. Estudo exploratório transversal realizado com dados de 2016 obtidos em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento de HIV na cidade do México. Os pacientes com resultados negativos no teste de HIV em 2016 foram divididos entre dois grupos: os que voltaram para buscar os resultados e os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados. As características sociodemográficas e de comportamento destes pacientes foram comparadas em um modelo de regressão logística multivariada. Uma pesquisa por telefone foi realizada com os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados do teste. Resultados. Ao todo, em 2016, 729 pacientes tiveram resultados negativos no teste de HIV no serviço ambulatorial. Destes, 40% (n = 299) não voltaram para buscar os resultados. Na análise multivariada, ter o teste solicitado por um médico, em vez de pelo próprio indivíduo, foi a principal variável associada a não voltar para buscar os resultados. Os principais motivos informados para não voltar para buscar os resultados foram: desconhecimento do procedimento para buscar os resultados (23,6%, n =21), saber previamente o resultado (22,5%, n = 20) e dificuldade para marcar um horário (13,5%, n = 12). Ao todo, 35% dos pacientes foram localizados por telefone e 50% voltaram para buscar os resultados. Conclusões. É preciso modificar o sistema de informe dos resultados para aumentar o número de pacientes que voltam para buscá-los. Melhorar a comunicação com os pacientes sobre o processo de informe dos resultados e com os médicos que solicitam o teste de HIV poderia ser uma estratégia viável. Maneiras alternativas de informar os resultados e o uso do teste rápido de HIV são outras soluções possíveis, contanto que se continue a oferecer aconselhamento para redução dos riscos e intervenção.

Why individuals fail to collect HIV-test results: an exploratory study at a testing and counseling center in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of clients at an HIV clinic in Mexico City who fail to collect their HIV test results and to explore the reasons for non-collection. METHODS: This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that used 2016 program data from the HIV Testing and Counseling Center in Mexico City. Clients with a negative HIV-test result in 2016 were classified as collectors or non-collectors, and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were compared by multivariate logistic regression. A telephone survey was conducted with individuals who failed to return for their results. RESULTS: In 2016, a total of 729 individuals obtained an HIV negative test result at the Center. Of these, 40% (n = 299) failed to collect results. In multivariate analysis, having a test requested by a physician, instead of by the individual, was the main variable associated with non-collection. The main reasons reported for not collecting were: unawareness of the collection process (23.6%, n = 21), already knowing the result (22.5%, n = 20), and scheduling difficulties (13.5%, n = 12). In all, 35% of clients were reached by telephone and 50% then returned to collect results. CONCLUSION: Modifications to the result-delivery system are needed to increase results collection. Improving communication with clients on the collection process and with physicians that request HIV testing could be viable strategies. Alternative ways of delivering results and using rapid HIV are other possible solutions, as long as risk reduction counseling and intervention are still effectively offered.

Why individuals fail to collect HIV-test results: an exploratory study at a testing and counseling center in Mexico City / Por qué las personas no retiran los resultados de las pruebas del VIH: estudio exploratorio en un centro de pruebas y asesoramiento en Ciudad de México / Por que os pacientes não voltam para buscar os resultados do teste do HIV: estudo exploratório em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento na cidade do México

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the characteristics of clients at an HIV clinic in Mexico City who fail to collect their HIV test results and to explore the reasons for non-collection. Methods This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that used 2016 program data from the HIV Testing and Counseling Center in Mexico City. Clients with a negative HIV-test result in 2016 were classified as collectors or non-collectors, and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were compared by multivariate logistic regression. A telephone survey was conducted with individuals who failed to return for their results. Results In 2016, a total of 729 individuals obtained an HIV negative test result at the Center. Of these, 40% (n = 299) failed to collect results. In multivariate analysis, having a test requested by a physician, instead of by the individual, was the main variable associated with non-collection. The main reasons reported for not collecting were: unawareness of the collection process (23.6%, n = 21), already knowing the result (22.5%, n = 20), and scheduling difficulties (13.5%, n = 12). In all, 35% of clients were reached by telephone and 50% then returned to collect results. Conclusion Modifications to the result-delivery system are needed to increase results collection. Improving communication with clients on the collection process and with physicians that request HIV testing could be viable strategies. Alternative ways of delivering results and using rapid HIV are other possible solutions, as long as risk reduction counseling and intervention are still effectively offered.

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar las características de las personan que acuden a un consultorio de atención de la infección por el VIH en Ciudad de México y no regresan a retirar los resultados de las pruebas de detección del VIH, y explorar las razones de este comportamiento. Métodos Este fue un estudio exploratorio y transversal que usó datos del programa correspondientes al 2016 de un centro de pruebas de detección del VIH y asesoramiento conexo en Ciudad de México. Se clasificó a las personas con resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en dos grupos, las que "retiraron los resultados" y las que "no retiraron los resultados"; sus características sociodemográficas y conductuales fueron comparadas mediante regresión logística multifactorial. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a las personas que no regresaron a buscar sus resultados. Resultados En el 2016, 729 personas tuvieron un resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en el centro. De ellas, 40% (n = 299) no acudieron a retirar los resultados. En el análisis multifactorial, la variable principal asociada con el hecho de no acudir a buscar los resultados fue que la prueba hubiera sido solicitada por un médico, en vez de que la persona hubiera acudido por sí misma a realizársela. Las principales razones informadas para no presentarse a buscar los resultados fueron: desconocimiento de que debían ir a buscarlos (23,6%, n = 21), conocimiento previo del resultado (22,5%, n = 20) y problemas de horarios (13,5%, n = 12). En total, se logró contactar por teléfono a 35% de las personas y 50% luego acudieron a retirar los resultados. Conclusiones Es necesario modificar el sistema de entrega de resultados para aumentar el número de personas que acuden a retirarlos. Algunas estrategias viables podrían ser mejorar la comunicación sobre el mecanismo de entrega de resultados con los pacientes y los médicos que solicitan las pruebas de detección del VIH. Otras soluciones posibles podrían ser mecanismos alternativos para informar los resultados o realización de pruebas rápidas de detección del VIH, siempre que se siga ofreciendo asesoramiento sobre la reducción de riesgos e intervenciones eficaces.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar as características dos pacientes de um serviço ambulatorial especializado em HIV na cidade do México que não voltam para buscar os resultados do teste do HIV e examinar os motivos para não voltarem para buscar os resultados. Métodos Estudo exploratório transversal realizado com dados de 2016 obtidos em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento de HIV na cidade do México. Os pacientes com resultados negativos no teste de HIV em 2016 foram divididos entre dois grupos: os que voltaram para buscar os resultados e os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados. As características sociodemográficas e de comportamento destes pacientes foram comparadas em um modelo de regressão logística multivariada. Uma pesquisa por telefone foi realizada com os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados do teste. Resultados Ao todo, em 2016, 729 pacientes tiveram resultados negativos no teste de HIV no serviço ambulatorial. Destes, 40% (n = 299) não voltaram para buscar os resultados. Na análise multivariada, ter o teste solicitado por um médico, em vez de pelo próprio indivíduo, foi a principal variável associada a não voltar para buscar os resultados. Os principais motivos informados para não voltar para buscar os resultados foram: desconhecimento do procedimento para buscar os resultados (23,6%, n = 21), saber previamente o resultado (22,5%, n = 20) e dificuldade para marcar um horário (13,5%, n = 12). Ao todo, 35% dos pacientes foram localizados por telefone e 50% voltaram para buscar os resultados. Conclusões É preciso modificar o sistema de informe dos resultados para aumentar o número de pacientes que voltam para buscá-los. Melhorar a comunicação com os pacientes sobre o processo de informe dos resultados e com os médicos que solicitam o teste de HIV poderia ser uma estratégia viável. Maneiras alternativas de informar os resultados e o uso do teste rápido de HIV são outras soluções possíveis, contanto que se continue a oferecer aconselhamento para redução dos riscos e intervenção.

Comparison of levels of anxiety and depression between women and men living with HIV of a Mexico City clinic / Comparación de niveles de ansiedad y depresión entre mujeres y hombres de una clínica de la Ciudad de México que viven con VIH

Abstract Introduction. Studies show that women with HIV have higher depression, anxiety symptoms and worse quality of life than men with HIV, but limited data on mental health status of people living with HIV (PLWH) is available in Mexico, hindering the development of specific mental health interventions. Objective. To compare the frequency and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms between men and women of a HIV specialized clinic of Mexico City. Method. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey on condom use and serostatus disclosure carried out between 2012-2013. Data from Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and sociodemographic characteristics were included in this study. Non-parametric tests were used to compare sociodemographic, clinical and psychological variables and odds ratio were calculated. Results. 291 PLWH were included, 13.1% (n = 38) were women. Significant differences between genders were found in sociodemographic variables (age, marital status, occupation, education, sexual orientation), but not in clinical variables. Depression symptoms were present in 45% of women versus 18.6% of men (x2 = 13.17, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms were present in 47.4% of women and 30% of men (x2 = 4.53, p = .033). In unadjusted analysis, women had 3.5 times higher risk than men of presenting depression symptoms (OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.61-7.65, p < .001) and 2 times higher risk of having anxiety symptoms than men (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 0.98-4.42, p < .033). Discussion and conclusion. An important percentage of participants had depression and anxiety symptoms; women showed greater frequency and severity of symptoms as well as greater socioeconomic vulnerability. Mental health interventions are needed and should take into consideration the gender specific differences.

Resumen Introducción. Los estudios muestran que las mujeres con VIH presentan más síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y peor calidad de vida que los hombres con VIH. Así mismo, existen datos limitados sobre la salud mental de las personas que viven con VIH (PVVIH) en México, lo que dificulta el desarrollo de intervenciones específicas de salud mental. Objetivo. Comparar la frecuencia y la gravedad de los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad entre hombres y mujeres de una clínica especializada en VIH de la Ciudad de México. Método. Los datos derivan de un estudio transversal sobre uso de condón y revelación del diagnóstico realizado entre 2012-2013. Los datos del Inventario de Depresión (BDI), Ansiedad de Beck (BAI) y sociodemográficos se incluyeron en este estudio. Se utilizaron pruebas no paramétricas para comparar las variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y psicológicas, y se calculó razón de momios. Resultados. Participaron 291 PVVIH; 13.1% (n = 38) fueron mujeres. Se encontraron diferencias en variables sociodemográficas (edad, estado civil, ocupación, escolaridad, orientación sexual), pero no en variables clínicas. El 45% de las mujeres presentaron síntomas depresivos versus 18.6% de los hombres (x2 = 13.17, p < .001), mientras que 47.4% de las mujeres versus 30% de los hombres presentaron síntomas de ansiedad (x2 = 4.53, p = .033). En un análisis no ajustado, las mujeres tuvieron 3.5 más riesgo de presentar depresión que los hombres (OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.61-7.65, p < .001), y 2 veces más riesgo de tener ansiedad (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 0.98-4.42, p < .033). Discusión y conclusión. Presentaron síntomas de depresión y ansiedad un porcentaje importante de los participantes. Las mujeres mostraron mayor frecuencia y gravedad de síntomas, y mayor vulnerabilidad socioeconómica. Las intervenciones de salud mental son necesarias, deben tomar en cuenta las diferencias por género.

SCL-90 R: Distrés psicológico, género y conductas de riesgo / SCL-90 R: Psychological Distress, Gender and Risky Behaviors

Con base en una muestra probabilística de 466 estudiantes universitarios mexicanos, se explora la relación entre distrés psicológico y conductas de riesgo (consumo de sustancias, conductas sexuales, y ambas), en hombres y mujeres. Los resultados indican que el distrés psicológico presenta diferencias con mayor frecuencia en el caso de las mujeres que presentan consumo de drogas, tabaco y alcohol, o conductas que mezclan sexo y alcohol, y sexo y consumo de drogas, que en el caso de los hombres. Los hombres con actividad sexual ocasional presentan mayor distrés que aquellos que no presentan esta conducta. Como punto de partida, se explora la estructura factorial del SCL-90-R, coincidiendo en los resultados con los obtenidos por investigadores de otras latitudes; al parecer, el análisis factorial no soporta la estructura propuesta por los autores del instrumento.

Based on a probability sample of 466 Mexican college students, we want to find out if there is a relationship between psychological distress and risky behavior (drug-consuming, sexual behavior or both) between men and women. Results show that psychological distress presents more differences with women who consume drugs, tobacco and alcohol and who present behaviors which combine sex and alcohol more than men. Men with occasional sexual activity preset more distress than those who don't show this behavior. To begin, we explore the factorial structure of SCL-90-R observing the same results of those obtained by other researchers. It seems that the factor analysis doesn't support the structure proposed by the authors of the instrument.