Disclosure of HIV status can be challenging for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Because of the stigma associated with HIV, disclosure can often lead to alienation, abandonment, and physical violence. Objective: To determine the relationship between depression and disclosure in a sample of adult HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 411 HIV/AIDS patients in Alabama. Facilitated by AIDS Alabama, this study collected extensive data during the spring/summer of 1999. Using a domain measuring depression, scores were ranked as low, mild, moderate, or high. Disclosure was measured using an item assessing number of relatives/friends who are aware of HIV status. Results: The sample was 65% African American and 31% white. The majority of the sample was male (65%) with females making up 33% of the sample. Two percent classified as transgender. Forty-four percent reported that mostly all their relatives and friends were aware of their HIV status. Forty percent of the sample fell into the moderate and high depression categories with 11% scoring levels of high depression. Of those whose status had been revealed to mostly all of their family and friends, 23% fell into the category of low depression. A larger percentage of African Americans than whites had not revealed their status to anyone (12% vs. 3%). Interestingly, 25% of African Americans fell into the category of low depression. Conclusion: Although other factors may more obviously be related to depression in people living with HIV, status disclosure should be further examined in relation to depression in this population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. describe the sample of HIV/AIDS patients from the AIDS Alabama Statewide Needs Assessment 2. better recognize the importance and ramifications of mental health and HIV status disclosure among HIV/AIDS patients 3. explain the relationship between depression and disclosure among a sample of HIV/AIDS patients
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: AIDS Alabama
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.