Prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms in individuals living with HIV/AIDS

Introduction . Symptoms of depression are highly prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil and in other countries. This situation points to the need for proper diagnosis and timely treatment by the health team. Objective . To identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association with sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral disorders among PLWHA. Method . This cross-sectional study analyzed 331 people living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Sao Paulo, Southeast Brazil. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depressive symptoms. To identify predictors of depression, a multiple regression model was used, with a 95% confidence interval. Results . Of the participants, 167 (50.5%) were men, with an average age of 40. Depressive symptoms were prevalent in 42.3% and the factors associated with depression were being employed, age, and immunological status. Being employed was 1.8 times more likely (95% CI [1.0, 2.8]) to develop depressive symptoms than those who were not employed. The odds ratio of individuals under the age of 40 indicates they were 1.8 times more likely (95% CI [1.1, 2.8]) to have depressive symptoms than those over 40 years old. In regard to clinical aspects, individuals with 200 CD4 cells per mm3 are 2.1 times (95% CI [1.1, 3.9]) more likely to develop depression. Discussion and conclusion . We conclude that the prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV/AIDS was 42.3% and it was associated with being employed, age and CD4 + cell count.