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 mm(3) 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.