Antiretroviral Therapy–Related Experiences Predict Mental Health Status Among People Living with HIV in China: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage has increased sharply. This prospective observational cohort study investigated the association between experiences related to ART and mental health problems among a sample of people living with HIV in China.Methods: The participants were 400 people living with HIV who had started ART for the first time in Guangzhou city. They were followed-up one-year after ART initiation. Probable depression and moderate/severe anxiety were measured at baseline and Month 12, while experiences related to ART were measured at Month 6. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the predictors of mental health status.Results: Among the 300 participants (75.0%) who completed all three surveys, a significant decline in prevalence of probable depression (23.0% at baseline vs. 14.0% at Month 12, P = 0.002) and moderate/severe anxiety (14.7% at baseline vs. 8.7% at Month 12, P = 0.023) was observed during the follow-up period. After adjustment for mental health status and potential confounders at baseline, a number of ART-related experiences at Month 6 were associated with probable depression and/or moderate/severe anxiety measured at Month 12. Improved physical health, relationships with sexual partners, and self-confidence were associated with decreased mental health issues, while the side effects of ART, AIDS-related symptoms, and inconvenience in daily life due to ART use were associated with increased mental health issues.Conclusions: ART-related experiences were predictors of mental health problems, tailored mental health promotion interventions targeting these experiences are needed.