People infected with HIV usually present a greater prevalence of emotional alterations, such as depression, when compared with the rest of the population. This study examined the level of depressive symptoms and associated factors among clients with HIV/AIDS who attended a community-based organization during the months of June and July of 1998 in Puerto Rico. The sample consists of 100 participants, from these 67 % showed high depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that having a poor perception of their physical or mental health; loosing friends or relatives because of HIV; having low levels of social support (affective, positive and emotional) and reporting use of psychiatric services previous to the diagnosis, are associated to high levels of depressive symptoms. In addition, results from multivariate analysis indicate those heterosexual clients, those that were HIV-infected by sexual relations, those with high number of physical symptoms, and low level of social support had the highest levels of depressive symptoms. These findings confirm the importance of conducting periodic screening of depressive symptoms in the treatment of HIV patient. Furthermore, it is essential that the providers of services take into consideration the natural process of the HIV and its impact in the mental health of the patient.
Learning Objectives: After reading poster section the people will be able to: 1)Identify the characteristics that predict high levels of depressive symptoms among people with HIV/AIDS 2) Recognize the need of mental health services and among persons with HIV/AIDS and comorbid depressive conditions
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Depression
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.