Measurement of Anxiety and depression among HIV Patients seen in the Philippine General Hospital using the Hospital Anxiety and depression Scale – Pilipino Version (HAdS-P)

Abstract

Background. HIV patients suffer from anxiety and depression but a formal assessment infrequently happens.

Objectives. The study aimed to measure the prevalence of anxiety and depression among HIV patients in UPPhilippine General Hospital.

Methods. This study involving 417 HIV-positive patients used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Pilipino version to identify cases, with stepwise regression analysis for correlation.

Results. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and mixed diagnosis was 10.1% (0.072-0.130), 3.1% (0.014-0.048), and 10.8% (0.078-0.138), respectively. Anxiety was correlated with female sex (OR = 7.82, CI 1.03-59.49), unemployment (OR = 1.76, CI 0.90-3.42), smoking (OR = 1.84, CI 0.89-3.79), homosexuality (OR = 7.64, CI 1.36-42.74), and non-use of protective methods during intercourse (OR = 1.81, CI 0.84-3.93). Depression was correlated with unemployment (OR = 2.79, CI 0.91-8.54) and non-disclosure of status (OR = 3.04, CI 0.79-11.67). Mixed diagnosis was correlated to unemployment (OR = 2.09, CI 1.10-3.96), smoking (OR = 2.14, CI 1.08-4.25), homosexuality (OR = 3.14, CI 0.9210.65), and non-use of protective methods during intercourse (OR = 1.65, CI 0.77-3.53).

Conclusions. Lower prevalence of anxiety and depression among HIV patients was found in this study compared with other countries. There is, however, a need to allocate resources for screening mental health problems in HIV patients.