Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Rural China

Abstract

Among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms associated with HIV diagnosis is a common problem. This study examined HIV diagnosis-related PTSD symptoms and its associated factors among PLHA in rural China. We used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial conducted in Anhui Province, China. Surveys of 522 PLHA were conducted via computer-assisted personal interview method. PTSD symptoms were measured based on re-experiencing, avoidance and arousal of the day of HIV diagnosis. Association between PTSD symptoms and demographic characteristics, physical and social functioning were assessed by multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling. Social functioning exhibited a direct association with HIV diagnosisrelated PTSD symptoms, and also mediated the association between PTSD symptoms and age, family income, and physical functioning. The study findings underscore the importance of developing interventions that alleviate PTSD symptoms and improve social functioning among PLHA in rural China.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy mediates the link between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and health-related quality of life

“…PLWH who experienced high PTSD symptoms following their diagnosis, treatment, and disease progression were more likely to experience poor HRQoL. This finding agrees with Luo et al (2017), Nightingale et al (2011), andPence et al (2012) who reported similar findings across samples of PLWH. Therefore, the more the PLWH experienced negative mental health aftermath of trauma, the more their HRQoL worsens.…”

“…Studies (example, Cohen et al, 2009; Haagsma et al, 2012; Luo et al, 2017; Nadim et al, 2012; Nightingale et al, 2011; Pence et al, 2012; Wintermann et al, 2019) have consistently found PTSD symptoms to be negatively associated with poor HRQoL among patients living with various chronic and trauma-inducing health conditions, including PLWH. However, little is known about the process by which PTSD symptoms are associated with poor HRQoL.…”

Factors associated with COVID-19 pandemic induced post-traumatic stress symptoms among adults living with and without HIV in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

“…Incongruously, living with HIV was associated with lower odds of having PTSS. HIV and COVID-19 intersectional studies had indicated the increased risk of PTSD for PLHIV who have experienced traumatic events like intimate partner violence, isolation, discrimination, stigma, and challenges with obtaining treatment [76]. Although we did not explore the history of traumatic events for respondents living with HIV in this study, past studies have indicated that PLHIV are at high risk of facing these traumatic events [77,78].…”

Global estimate of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among adults living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In addition, being diagnosed with HIV, a life-threatening illness, is a potentially traumatic event in and of itself, and PTSD may emerge as a result of this diagnosis. Infection with HIV causes a progressive destruction of the immune system, which increases the susceptibility to malignancies that threaten a person’s life, and being labelled and associated with HIV stigma, taking multiple daily medications and experiencing repeated unpleasant side effects constitute potentially traumatic events 10. These high rates of potential trauma exposure during the course of the illness may also increase the likelihood of developing PTSD.…”