Symptoms of Depression in People Living with HIV in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and correlates of symptoms of depression among 400 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) from two HIV clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale, 36.5% of participants were classified as likely to be clinically depressed. Factors independently associated with symptoms of depression included self-report of poor or fair health (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.33–3.51), having a low body mass index (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.13–3.04), reporting recent problems with family (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.21–3.19), feeling shame about being HIV-infected (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.20–3.00), and reporting conflict with a partner (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.14–4.26). Participants who lived with family (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25–0.90) or who received emotional support from their families or supportive HIV networks (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25–0.80) were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. Screening for and treatment of depression among Vietnamese PLHIV are needed.