Depression and Quality of Life among Patients Living with HIV/AIDS in the Era of Universal Treatment Access in Vietnam

Bach Xuan Tran, Anh Kim Dang, Nu Thi Truong, Giang Hai Ha, Huong Lan Thi Nguyen, Ha Ngoc Do, Tuan Quoc Nguyen, Carl A. Latkin, Cyrus S. H. Ho and Roger C. M. Ho
Additional contact information
Bach Xuan Tran: Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Anh Kim Dang: Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
Nu Thi Truong: Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Giang Hai Ha: Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
Huong Lan Thi Nguyen: Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
Ha Ngoc Do: Youth Research Institute, Viet Nam (YRI)-Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Tuan Quoc Nguyen: Hanoi Department of Health, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Carl A. Latkin: Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Cyrus S. H. Ho: Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Roger C. M. Ho: Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-14

Abstract: Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) access has been universal in recent years, few studies have examined if this policy contributes to the mental health of the patients. This study assessed depression and its relations with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), which is defined as the status of general well-being, physical, emotional, and psychological, among HIV patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 482 patients at five outpatient clinics. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) were used to assess the severity of depression and HRQOL. About one-fifth of patients reported symptoms of depression. According to the result of a multivariate logistic regression model, patients who had a lower number of CD4 cells at the start of ART, who received ART in the clinic without HIV counseling and testing (HCT) services, who had a physical health problem, and who experienced discrimination were more likely to have depression. Depression was associated with significantly decreased HRQOL. Depression is prevalent and significantly negatively associated with HRQOL of HIV/AIDS patients. We recommend screening for depression and intervening in the lives of depressed individuals with respect to those who start ART late, and we also recommend community-based behavioral change campaigns to reduce HIV discrimination.

Keywords: depression; quality of life; CD4 cells; early antiretroviral treatment initiation; HIV/AIDS; Vietnam (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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