Study of the severity of depression and quality of life in adults with HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome at antiretroviral therapy center in western Maharashtra

Introduction: The universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has caused a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses seen in HIV-positive individuals, which has a significant impact on health-care utilization, adherence to ART, and quality of life (QOL). Hence, this study was planned to study the depression severity and health-related QOL in HIV-positive individuals. Aim: The aim was to study the severity of depression and QOL in adults with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the regional ART center of a tertiary care hospital where 90 adult patients with HIV/AIDS in the age group of 18–60 years fulfilling DSM V criteria for depression were interviewed. A semistructured questionnaire was applied to obtain sociodemographic data. Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology and QOL Scale (WHO QOL-HIV BREF) were used to assess the severity of depression and QOL in patients. Results: Of 90 patients, 40% had severe depression and 60% had mild-to-moderate depression. The severity of depression had a significant correlation with duration of HIV illness, duration of depressive symptoms, and socioeconomic status. The low QOL mean score was observed in all domains of QOL questionnaire. There was a significant correlation between the severity of disease and QOL. No correlation was found between CD4 count and QOL or severity of depression. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment of depression in HIV may help improve the QOL of patients. CD4 cell count alone may be inadequate criteria for the prediction of mental health status and QOL.