Abstract

INTRODUCTION
This study explored the relationship between depression, stigma, and risk behaviors in a multi-site study of high-risk youth living with HIV (YLH) in the United States.
METHODS
All youth met screening criteria for either problem level substance use, current sexual risk, and/or suboptimal HIV medication adherence. Problem level substance use behavior was assessed with the CRAFFT, a six-item adolescent screener. A single item was used to screen for current sexual risk and for an HIV medication adherence problem. Stigma and depression were measured via standard self-report measures.
RESULTS
Multiple regression analysis revealed that behavioral infection, older age, more problem behaviors, and greater stigma each contributed to the prediction of higher depression scores in YLH. Associations between depression, stigma, and problem behaviors are discussed. More than half of the youth in this study scored at or above the clinical cut-off for depression. Results highlight the need for depression-focused risk reduction interventions that address stigma in YLH.
DISCUSSION
Study outcomes suggest that interventions are needed to address stigma and depression, not only among youth living with HIV, but in the communities in which they live.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Tanney MR, Naar-King S, MacDonnel K, Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions 004 Protocol Team

Institution

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Tanney@email.chop.edu

Source

Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners 26:4 pg 300-5

MeSH

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Depression
Female
HIV Long-Term Survivors
HIV Seropositivity
Humans
Male
Medication Adherence
Residence Characteristics
Risk-Taking
Sexual Behavior
Social Stigma
United States
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Multicenter Study
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22726715