Abstract
Treating depression in HIV-positive patients affects adherence
Highlights
Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg M Y H Moosa, FC Psych, MMed Psych, MFGP, MB ChB F Y Jeenah, FC Psych, MMed Psych, MB ChB
The mean antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence rate of patients who received pharmacotherapy increased from 92.8% to 99.5%, and of those who received psychotherapy increased from 91.1% to 99.6% (p>0.05)
Successful treatment of depression with an antidepressant or psychotherapy was associated with improved ART adherence, independent of the type of treatment and sociodemographic factors
Summary
Consenting volunteers aged ≥18 years and stable on ART for ≥6 months were included in the study. Sociodemographic data were obtained, and a clinical diagnostic evaluation and the Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAMD) were performed on all subjects at entry to and at the end of the study. The study was prospective, randomised and controlled, and sampling was convenience sampling (as it included patients attending the HIV clinic). A clinical diagnostic evaluation and the Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAMD) were performed on all subjects at entry to and end of the study. Five IPT sessions were administered during the study period according to the Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy.[41] These guidelines are clear, digested, highly informative, and illustrate the application of a conceptual model in the treatment of depression. Adherence was determined by using the patient self-report (number of doses missed in the preceding 3 days) and the pill count (medication was dispensed at each visit and patients were asked to return all unused medication, which was counted by the investigator)
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