The prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated factors among adults with living human immunodeficiency virus in University Malaya Medical Centre

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2022

Abstract

This study estimates prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and determines its associated factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021, in the Infectious Disease clinic and ward. One hundred ninety-one patients were recruited via convenience sampling. Patients' sociodemographic were obtained, followed by Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and M.I.N.I. international neuropsychiatric interview (M.I.N.I.) The cut off DASS-21 point for depression is >= 5, for anxiety, >= 4. Mann-Whitney U and Chi square test were used to analyse the association between variables, and logistic regression to find predictability. Results Of the 191 participants, 89.5% outpatient, mean age 40 years (SD 0.742), 91.1% male, 65.4% single, 71.2% working, 46.1% Malaysian Chinese, 59.8% non- heterosexual, mean 6 years of being HIV positive; mean CD4 count 449/mu L; mean viral load 116,690 (median = 20). 85.9% were taking antiretroviral therapy. The prevalence of depression was 35.1% (n = 67); anxiety was 42.9% (n = 82). Regression analysis revealed anxiety and stress increased odds of depression by 3.8 times (p = .001) and 12 times (p < .001) respectively. Those 40 years old and younger had 2.3 times odds of anxiety (p = .048). Increased social support from friends increased odds of anxiety by 1.7 times (p = .018). Depression and stress increased odds of anxiety by 4.4 times (p = .001) and 3.7 times (p = .008) respectively. Conclusions Depression and anxiety among people with HIV is often under-recognised. Early identification and treatment of the mental illness is warranted. Screening with DASS-21 is useful to detect depression in patients with HIV.

Keywords

Asia, Homosexual, Human immunodeficiency virus, Epidemiology, Screening

Divisions

fac_med

Funders

Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya,University Malaya Medical Centre

Publication Title

International Journal of Std & Aids

Volume

33

Issue

10

Publisher

Sage

Publisher Location

1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

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