Depressive symptoms, HIV disclosure, and HIV-related stigma among migrant workers living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Linda AurpibulArunrat TangmunkongvorakulAmporn JirattikornArratee AyuttacornPatou Masika MusumariKriengkrai SrithanaviboonchaiPublished in: AIDS care (2022)
Currently migrant workers living with HIV (MWLHIV) in Thailand have access to antiretroviral treatment. We determined the frequency of depressive symptoms, HIV disclosure, and HIV-related stigma in this population. The cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 HIV clinics in community hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were collected from MWLHIV through face-to-face interviews. A 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and a Thai-validated HIV/AIDS stigma scales were used. A total of 316 MWLHIV participated; their median age was 39 years and 65% were female. Sixty (19%) had depressive symptoms, with higher frequency of depression in females (22.4% vs.12.6%, respectively; p = .033). The overall HIV disclosure rate was 69.9%. Females were more likely than males to disclose HIV status to someone outside the clinic (72.2% vs. 65.8%, respectively; p = .234). The most prevalent type of HIV-related stigma was internalized, followed by felt stigma. Enacted stigma had the lowest prevalence. Multiple linear regression revealed that being female ( β = 0.125, p = .029), enacted stigma ( β = 0.152, p = .011) and felt stigma ( β = 0.248, p < .001) were significantly associated with depressive scores. To ensure favorable HIV treatment outcomes, individual counseling, psychosocial support, and mental health screening should be integrated into HIV services.
Keyphrases
- hiv aids
- antiretroviral therapy
- mental health
- hiv infected
- human immunodeficiency virus
- hiv positive
- hiv testing
- depressive symptoms
- hiv infected patients
- hepatitis c virus
- social support
- men who have sex with men
- healthcare
- bipolar disorder
- artificial intelligence
- electronic health record
- smoking cessation
- psychometric properties
- case report