Abstract
BackgroundDepression is a common mood disorder in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and is associated with risk-taking sexual behaviour.ObjectivesThis study examines depression, sleep quality and condom usage amongst PLWH in Tehran, Iran.MethodThis cross-sectional study was undertaken between October and November 2019 on 298 PLWH referred to voluntary counselling and testing centres (VCTs) in Tehran. Participants provided information as per the following questionnaires: the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire that evaluated condom use.ResultsA total of 298 PLWH, of whom 202 (67.8%) were men with a mean age of 39.81 years, were enrolled in the study. The DASS classified 57% with depression. Fewer than 20% of these used condoms regularly. The majority of depressed patients were men (68.6%) and 31.4% were women. The depressed patients were more likely not to use condoms than those who were not depressed (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.70–11.42). The adjusted OR for not using a condom amongst the depressed was 7.12 times greater (95% CI, 5.85–10.11) than in those without depression.ConclusionOur findings suggest that depression is common amongst PLWH in Tehran and is associated with risk-taking sexual behaviour. Appropriate interventions are needed to address mental disorders in PLWH. It is recommended that patients be screened regularly for symptoms of depression and, where indicated, counselled and managed.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at the end of 2018, approximately 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally.[1]
Given the importance of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), this study aimed to identify associations between depression, sleep quality and condom use in this cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH)
Considering the importance of using condoms in PLWH in the prevention of the transmission of infection to others, as well as the importance of the infected patients’ health, this study evaluated the relationship between depression and condom use in PLWH in Tehran
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at the end of 2018, approximately 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally.[1]. Multiple sexual partners and drug and alcohol abuse are more likely amongst depressed than non-depressed people.[4,5,6] These behaviours are associated with the acquisition of HIV.[7] Depression has been linked to unreliable adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment failure. In a study of 278 Chinese women at high risk of HIV infection, 62% had high levels of depression. Those with more severe depression were more likely not to use a condom or to misuse it.[13]. Depression is a common mood disorder in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and is associated with risk-taking sexual behaviour
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