Factors Associated With Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in People Living With HIV in Northeast Brazil

The diagnosis of HIV infection can cause mental disorders or exacerbate existing symptoms, because of the stigma, psychological stress and need for the self-management of the illness. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in people with HIV and to identify the associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study. A sample of 385 PLWH was interviewed using the Sociodemographic, Epidemiological and Clinical Form, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The prevalence of anxiety was 27.1% and depression was 39.8%. Being female (p=0.0227), antiretroviral therapy (ART) for eight years or less (p=0.0042) and having depression (p<0.0001) were associated with the occurrence of anxiety. Having a detectable viral load (p=0.0476), not exercising regularly (p=0.0070), having sleep disorders (p=0.0001) and anxiety (p<0.0001) were associated with depression. Retired and on leave or sick pay were respectively 2.67 and 3.90 times more likely to have depression than those who were employed. A considerable percentage of PLWH have anxiety and depression symptoms. Being female, less than eight years of ART and depression are associated with anxiety, while detectable viral load, not practicing physical exercise, having sleep disorders, anxiety and being retired or on leave or sick pay are associated with depression. The study showed important data for health interventions by members of the multidisciplinary team for PLWH.