Depression and aging with HIV: Associations with health-related quality of life and positive psychological factors

Abstract

BackgroundDepression is prevalent among persons living with HIV (PLWH). This study investigated the relationships between depressive symptomatology, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and positive psychological factors in PLWH and age-matched HIV−individuals. MethodsOne hundred twenty-two PLWH and 94 HIV− individuals, recruited in three age cohorts (36–45, 46–55, 56–65 years old), completed self-report questionnaires on depressive symptoms (CES-D), HRQoL, and positive psychological factors (resilience, grit, and self-rated successful aging [SRSA]). Participants were classified based on HIV status (H+ vs H−) and elevated depressive symptoms (D+ vs D−) into four groups (H+/D+; H−/D+; H+/D−; H−/D−). ResultsFifty-eight percent of PLWH had elevated depressive scores, compared to 33% of HIV- individuals (p < 0.001). The proportion of individuals reporting elevated depressive symptoms only differed among individuals 36–45 years old (H+: 61.5%; H−: 17.9%; p < 0.001). Individuals in the H+/D+ group reported the lowest HRQoL, resilience, grit, and SRSA across age cohorts. However, there were no differences on HRQoL or positive psychological factors between H+/D- and H-/D- groups; in fact, individuals 56–65 years in the H+/D- group endorsed aging the most successfully. LimitationsSmall sample size within the groups and the cross-sectional nature of the analysis limit the ability to address onset of depressive symptoms in relation to HRQoL or positive psychological factors. ConclusionsAmong PLWH depressive symptoms show a strong association with HRQoL and positive psychological factors compared to HIV- individuals. In the absence of elevated depressive symptoms, however, PLWH report similar HRQoL and positive psychological factors to HIV- individuals.