Abstract
Introduction: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic worrying disorder, which causes social and occupational impairment. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GAD among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to determine the associated socio-demographic and clinical factors. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study between September 2014 and April 2015 at four HIV outpatient clinics in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brazil. We surveyed 257 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, aged > 18-years, of both sexes. Four modalities of instruments were used to collect the data: a socio-demographic questionnaire; the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; the Hamilton’s Anxiety Scale; and chart data. Results: GAD prevalence was 14%. Female sex, CD4 200-500 versus < 200, CD4 > 500 versus < 200 and being homeless were associated in the multivariate model. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the necessity of proactively addressing mental health as well as physical health issues in HIV+ individuals.
Highlights
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic worrying disorder, which causes social and occupational impairment
Several determinants may be involved in the association between mental disorders and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, such as the effects of the virus on the central nervous system, opportunistic infections, antiretroviral therapy (ART), emotional reactions to diagnosis, fear of death and stigma.[7,8,9]
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry associated with psychic and physical symptoms, with significant social and occupational impairment, and its prevalence ranges from 1.4% to 15.8% in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).[8,10,11,12]
Summary
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic worrying disorder, which causes social and occupational impairment. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GAD among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to determine the associated socio-demographic and clinical factors. 47%) of mental disorders for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).[4,5,6] Several determinants may be involved in the association between mental disorders and HIV infection, such as the effects of the virus on the central nervous system, opportunistic infections, antiretroviral therapy (ART), emotional reactions to diagnosis, fear of death and stigma.[7,8,9]. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry associated with psychic and physical symptoms, with significant social and occupational impairment, and its prevalence ranges from 1.4% to 15.8% in PLWHA.[8,10,11,12]
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