Abstract
BackgroundHIV prevalence among IDUs in Chennai is 30‐60%. We have previously shown that there is high food insecurity in this population and depression is a psychological consequence of food insecurity.ObjectiveTo investigate how changes in food insecurity affect changes in depressive symptoms in a cohort of current and former IDUs.Methods: 201 recruited men were followed up every six months between 2007 and 2010 with food insecurity, depressive symptoms, and BMI (in kg/m2) measured each time. Food insecurity was measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (possible range:0‐27) and depressive symptoms by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (possible range:0‐60).Results andConclusionOver the 3‐years, current IDUs had a 2.6 point (95%CI:4.0, 1.1) higher score on the scale for depressive symptoms compared to non‐current IDUs (p=0.0006). A unit increase in BMI was associated with a 0.4 point reduction in depressive symptoms over time (p=0.0005). There was a significant interaction between food insecurity and time (p<0.0001): At baseline, participants who were more food insecure had higher depressive symptoms than those less food insecure. The strength of this association decreased over time.HIV status was not associated with depressive symptoms. Interventions to improve nutritional status and reduce drug use can reduce depressive symptoms in this population. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the factors that influence the strength of the association between depression and food insecurity.Grant Funding Source: P30DA013868, R01DA022163
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call