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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 8(2)

Changes in depression in a cohort of Danish HIV-positive individuals: time for routine screening

Lotte Rodkjaer A E , Tinne Laursen A , Nils B. Christensen B , Kirsten Lomborg C , Lars Ostergaard A and Morten Sodemann D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, DK-8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.

B The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatic, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.

C Department of Nursing Science, School of Public Health, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.

D Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark.

E Corresponding author. Email: Lottrodk@rm.dk

Sexual Health 8(2) 214-221 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH10067
Submitted: 9 June 2010  Accepted: 7 September 2010   Published: 18 May 2011

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to follow a cohort of HIV-positive individuals for 3 years in order to assess changes in depression, adherence, unsafe sex and emotional strains from living with HIV. Methods: Participants were assessed for depression, adherence, emotional strain and unsafe sex via a questionnaire. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI) was used to assess the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms. Patients with a BDI score of 20 or above (moderate to major depression) were offered a clinical evaluation by a consultant psychiatrist. Results: In 2005, 205 HIV-positive individuals participated in the study. Symptoms of depression (BDI >14) were observed in 77 (38%) and major depression (BDI ≥20) in 53 (26%) individuals. In 2008, 148 participants were retested (72% of original sample). Depression (BDI >14) was observed in 38 (26%) and symptoms of major depression (BDI ≥20) in 24 (16%) individuals. Patients at risk of moderate to major depression were more likely to be non-adherent to medications, to practice unsafe sex and to suffer from emotional strains compared with patients not at risk of depression, both at baseline (2005) and follow-up (2008). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a decline in depression scores over time and an association between the risk of depression and low medication adherence, stress and unsafe sex. We recommend routine screening for depression to be conducted regularly to provide full evaluations and relevant psychiatric treatment.

Graphical Abstract Image

Additional keywords: adherence, AIDS, compliance, psychiatry, psychological factors, stress.


Acknowledgements

This project was funded by Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Research Foundation, The Health Insurance Foundation, The Central Denmark Region Health Research Foundation and The Lundbeck Foundation. The authors are grateful to all participants, without whom this work would not have been possible.


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