Depression Is a Risk Factor for Suboptimal Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Mental Health of Caribbean Women with HIV/AIDS

“…As a result of these emotions, the individual might present as preoccupied; hopeless; ruminating about loss of significant others because of the disease; delay in accessing treatment; not adhering to treatment protocols; experiencing difficulty in managing work and family routines; and ultimately becoming at risk for poorer physical and mental health and overall quality of life (Rutledge & Abell, 2003;Starace et al, 2002). Wilk and Bolton (2002) in their qualitative interviews of individuals residing in two Ugandan communities affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic investigated the perceptions of the epidemic's mental-health effects.…”

Translation of a comprehensive health behavior intervention for women living with HIV: the SMART/EST Women's Program

“…Translation of behavioral interventions for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) that addresses multiple risk behaviors is especially appropriate, as PLWHAs have been identified as being at increased risk of comorbid health conditions, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, depression, diabetes, and addiction [3,4]. In addition, psychiatric disorders have also been associated with decrements in essential health behaviors for PLWHAs (e.g., antiretroviral medication adherence [5][6][7][8][9] and medical appointment attendance [10,11]) and with poorer overall mental health and quality of life [12,13].…”

Antidepressant Treatment and Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapy among Patients with AIDS and Diagnosed Depression

“…Many of the behavioral consequences of depression among patients with HIV/AIDS have significant health implications, including problems adhering to antiviral regimens [8][9][10]. Across a range of settings and populations, depression has been associated with reduced probability of antiretroviral utilization [11,12].…”