The prevalence of depression, anxiety and associated factors among adults with living human immunodeficiency virus in University Malaya Medical Centre. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ong, Jen Yeung; Yee, Anne; Amer Nordin, Amer Siddiq; Danaee, Mahmoud; Azwa, Raja Iskandar
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 33:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 880
• Page End: 889
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: asia -- homosexual -- human immunodeficiency virus -- epidemiology -- screening; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/09564624221106528
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Background: 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/μL; 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.