Disease severity and symptoms of depression in Black Americans infected with HIV.

The purpose of this study was to examine depressive symptomatology in a sample of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected Black Americans and to determine the extent to which measures of HIV disease severity were associated with depressive symptoms. Seventy-nine HIV-infected Black men and women (ages 25 to 68 years) participated. Measures included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and multiple HIV disease severity variables including CD4+ lymphocyte count, CDC HIV stage, and HIV RNA viral load. Levels of self-reported depressive symptoms were high, with 58% (n = 48/79) of study participants exhibiting elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D score of > or =16). No relationship was found between CD4+ count, CDC HIV stage, sociodemographic variables, and depressive symptoms. Viral load, however, was positively correlated with elevated depressive symptoms. Although the level of depressive symptomatology was high, only two participants were receiving antidepressant medication. This study suggests that there is a significant unmet need for identification and treatment of depressive symptoms among Blacks receiving routine care for HIV disease.     

Depressive symptoms after initiation of interferon therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND: Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is commonly associated with neuropsychiatric side effects including depressive symptomatology. In this study, we evaluated the incidence and management of depressive symptoms during IFN-alpha therapy in HIV-infected patients with CHC. METHODS: HIV-infected patients with CHC who began IFN-alpha and ribavirin therapy during the recruitment period April 2001 to April 2003 were included in the study. Patients with a history of major depressive disorder were excluded. RESULTS: Of 113 co-infected patients who started IFN-alpha therapy during the recruitment period, 45 (40%) developed symptoms of depression (sadness, tiredness and apathy). Twenty of them (44%) were treated with citalopram, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, resulting in a significant improvement in their symptoms. Most of the patients (60%) showed depressive side effects in the first 3 months after initiation of IFN-alpha. In addition, during the study, three patients developed psychotic symptoms and one committed suicide. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of depressive symptoms in patients with HIV/HCV co-infection treated with IFN-alpha is high. Most of the depressive symptoms were not severe and improved with antidepressant therapy, without reduction or cessation of IFN-alpha therapy. During the first weeks after initiating IFN-alpha therapy for HIV/HCV co-infection, close assessment of psychiatric symptoms is recommended. Early treatment of these side effects with antidepressants would help avoid early dropouts from interferon therapy.     

Sleep disturbance and depression as barriers to adherence

This study examined the relationships among subjective sleep disturbance, depressive symptoms, and adherence to medications among HIV-infected women. HIV-infected women (N = 173) were recruited through community AIDS service organizations throughout South Carolina. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and a modified version of the Adults AIDS Clinical Trials Group Adherence Baseline Questionnaire. Women who reported greater sleep disturbance also reported a higher level of depressive symptoms and reported poor adherence to their medication regimen. Depression helped to explain the relationship between sleep quality and adherence. Results indicate that assessment and management of sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms in women with HIV disease is important to promote medication adherence.     

Predictors of postbereavement depressive symptomatology among family caregivers of cancer patients

The present study investigated two aspects of the sequelae of recent bereavement among family caregivers following the death of their cancer patient: (1) the extent to which depressive symptomatology among family caregivers measured following the death of their patient could be predicted by their levels of depressive symptomatology in the months prior to death, their physical health, the setting in which the patient's death occurred, patient age, gender of the caregiver, consanguinity, financial stress, social support from family and friends during the terminal stage, impact of caregiving activities on caregiver's daily schedule, caregiver optimism, perceived esteem attributed to caregiving, the time between the prebereavement assessment and death, and the time between death and the postbereavement assessment; and (2) whether these same explanatory variables could successfully differentiate those bereaved caregivers whose psychological health improved during the first 3 months following bereavement from those who did not improve. A sample of 114 family caregivers of cancer patients were surveyed for approximately 3 months before and 3 months after the death of their patient. A multivariate analysis of variance using the regression approach was undertaken to determine the primary predictors of postbereavement depressive symptomatology. In addition, a logistic regression analysis was used to attempt to predict those caregivers whose depressive symptomatology would improve during the postbereavement period. Critical factors in determining levels of postbereavement depressive symptomatology were caregiver optimism, prebereavement depressive symptomatology, and levels of social support from friends. Caregiver optimism and prebereavement depressive symptomatology were important in predicting whether caregivers' depressive symptomatology would improve or not. Physicians must be aware that if the social history of a patient reveals that he/she is anticipating or has recently experienced the loss of a family member for whom they were the primary caregiver, this information may be critical in determining whether the illness behavior exhibited by the patient has medical or psychosocial origins.     

Postpartum physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology at 1 month and 1 year after delivery: A longitudinal questionnaire survey

BackgroundA high prevalence of postpartum physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology has been reported in Western countries. Although previous studies have shown postpartum physical symptoms and emotional problems are correlated, a causal relationship between the two variables has not been established.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and persistence of postpartum physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology at 1 month and 1 year after delivery among women in Taiwan. We further examined the interrelationship between the severity of physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology at 1 month and 1 year postpartum.MethodsThe study participants were 166 women who completed a structured questionnaire at 1 month and 1 year after delivery in Taipei, Taiwan. The presence and severity of postpartum physical symptoms were assessed using an 18-item, 4-point Likert scale. Depressive symptomatology was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the causal relationship between the severity of physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology at the two time points.ResultsAt 1 year postpartum, 23.5% of the women reported depressive symptomatology. The average number of physical symptoms present was 3.35. There was a significant decrease in the mean scores for severity of physical symptoms, and there was no significant difference in depressive symptomatology between 1 month and 1 year postpartum. Women who reported depressive symptomatology and physical symptoms at 1 month were more likely to report them at 1 year postpartum. The SEM results did not support direct and causal relationships between the severity of physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology at the two time points.ConclusionsA high prevalence of postpartum health problems was noted in Taiwan. This study revealed a persistence of physical symptoms and depressive symptomatology found at 1 month postpartum. Careful assessment of the physical and emotional health problems of women after childbirth is needed to improve the quality of postpartum care.     

The contribution of optimism and quality of life to depression in an acute coronary syndrome population.

BACKGROUND: Numerous longitudinal studies have revealed that depression following an acute cardiac event poses a risk factor for poor cardiac outcomes. It is therefore important to identify modifiable predictors of depression in order to develop a variety of interventions with this population. AIMS: The aim of the present research was to determine whether the relationship between optimism and depressive symptoms was mediated by self-reported quality of life (QOL) in acute coronary syndrome patients. METHODS: Two weeks following hospital discharge (Time 1) 59 participants completed a self-report questionnaire. Four weeks later (Time 2), 49 of these participants completed the same questionnaire. RESULTS: At Time 1, the relationship between optimism and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by functional QOL and symptom QOL. Furthermore, the relationship between Time 1 optimism and Time 2 depressive symptoms was partially mediated by Time 1 functional QOL. When each of the Time 1 variables were used to predict Time 2 depressive symptoms, only optimism continued to predict depressive symptoms over and above the influence of Time 1 depressive symptoms and other covariates. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the underlying importance of optimism in influencing depressive symptoms in acute coronary syndrome patients, and indicate that optimism and perceptions of functional QOL may be a possible rehabilitation target for this population.     

Incidence and correlates of physical violence among HIV-infected women at risk for pregnancy in the southeastern United States.

To identify the incidence and correlates of physical and sexual violence among HIV-infected women at risk for pregnancy, a cross-sectional examination was conducted within a longitudinal study of reproductive decision making. Participants consisted of 275 HIV-infected women 17 to 49 years of age (mean = 30.1 years). Women were predominantly African American (87%) and single (82%), with annual incomes of $10,000 or less (66%). Overall, 68% of the women reported experiencing lifetime physical and/or sexual violence. Before becoming HIV infected, 65% of the women reported having been physically or sexually abused. After HIV diagnosis, 33% of the women reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Women reporting greater violence were more likely to disclose their HIV-seropositive status to their sex partner. Using logistic regression, greater intent to get pregnant (odds ratio [OR] = 0.933), decreased present life satisfaction (OR = 1.048), having three or more children (OR = 0.474), and history of drug use (OR = 0.794) significantly distinguished between women who reported physical and/or sexual violence and those who did not.     

2011－2020年广东省HIV感染孕产妇不良妊娠结局情况及其影响因素分析

  目的   描述广东省人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）感染孕产妇不良妊娠结局的情况,分析导致不良妊娠结局的影响因素,促进艾滋病感染孕产妇及暴露儿童的健康。  方法   对广东省2011—2020年所有区/县确认的3 438例HIV感染孕产妇的相关信息进行χ2检验和非条件logistic回归分析。  结果   共3 438例HIV感染孕妇纳入研究, 955例孕妇发生不良妊娠结局,不良妊娠结局发生率为27.78%。 不同的文化程度、初检时期、传播途径、产次和确认感染时期和妊娠高血压会影响HIV感染孕产妇不良妊娠结局的发生,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 多因素logistic回归分析显示,注射毒品感染、产时或产后确认感染和患有妊娠高血压的HIV感染孕产妇发生不良妊娠结局的OR值分别是1.65（1.04～2.58）、0.61（0.48～0.78）和2.27（1.35～3.80）。  结论   传播途径、确认感染时期及妊娠高血压和HIV感染孕产妇发生不良妊娠结局有关。 需要高度重视HIV感染孕妇的生殖健康,提供优质的咨询服务和孕期保健服务,保障HIV感染孕产妇的健康,改善妊娠结局。     

Primary care of HPV management in HIV-infected women

The natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) differs in women infected with (human immunodeficiency virus) HIV when compared with the general population. This report provides insight into the complexities of treating HPV infection and the differences found in HIV-infected women. By understanding the challenges associated with this opportunistic infection in HIV-infected women, nurse practitioners will be better prepared to provide primary care to this specific population.     

A Test of the Usefulness of Perfectionism Theory Across Cultures: Does Perfectionism in the US and Japan Predict Depressive Symptoms Across Time?

The present study examined cultural variations on performance perfectionism (Chang in Cogn Therapy Res 30:677–697, 2006; Cogn Therapy Res 33:334–344, 2009) in 168 European American and 151 Japanese college students. Results of between-groups analyses on performance perfectionism provided support for the general notion of self-enhancement in the West and self-criticism in the East. Moreover, performance perfectionism was found to be associated with concurrent and prospective (2 months later) depressive symptomatology in both cultural groups. Results of regression analyses for both European Americans and Japanese indicated that negative self-oriented performance perfectionism predicted changes in depressive symptomatology at Time 2 even after controlling for initial symptomatology at Time 1. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.     

Correlation between HIV disease and lipid metabolism in antiretroviral-na?ve HIV-infected patients in Japan

Antiretroviral therapy alters lipid metabolism in HIV-infected patients. However, interpreting the impact of HIV infection on lipid metabolism is difficult because of various associated factors, including antiretroviral drugs and demographic characteristics. A few studies have associated HIV infection with lipid metabolism in antiretroviral-na?ve HIV-infected patients. Because there were no data in this regard from Japan, the present study examined the impact of HIV infection, as well as demographic and clinical features, on lipid metabolism in antiretroviral-na?ve HIV-infected patients in Japan. We performed a cross-sectional study to examine the impact of HIV disease, demographic and clinical characteristics on lipid metabolism among 168 HIV-infected Japanese men who were antiretroviral na?ve and who did not have hemophilia, including patients who took medication for dyslipidemia. The mean age of the patients was 45.7 years; 0.6% of the patients took medication to dyslipidemia. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 289/μL, the mean baseline log10 HIV viral load was 4.2 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL, and 22% of the patients had a history of AIDS-defining events. A higher HDL-C concentration was associated with a higher CD4 lymphocyte count (p = 0.043). Also, a higher LDL-C concentration was associated with a higher CD4 lymphocyte count (p = 0.003). Infection with HIV was associated with dyslipidemia in antiretroviral-na?ve patients. More advanced HIV disease was associated with less favorable lipid homeostatic profiles. These results are similar to findings from other countries.     

艾滋病母婴传播与护理

目的:探讨妊娠合并HIV感染患者母婴传播情况及护理措施。方法:对我市2009年1～12月HIV感染孕产妇及所生婴儿进行追访并提供全方位的护理。结果:发现4例HIV感染孕妇,通过护理干预,2例进行了引产,2例分娩,现仍在继续提供护理指导。结论:对HIV孕产妇和婴儿进行正确的护理,是保障母婴健康、控制儿童艾滋病流行的重要措施。     

HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants. Primary health care implications.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in women and infants is a significant and growing health care problem in the United States. Young adult black or Hispanic women are at particular risk, especially if they use intravenous drugs or are the sexual partner of someone who does. However, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/HIV infection is a significant cause of mortality in women of reproductive age (i.e., 15 to 44 years). In addition, the incidence of AIDS in infants directly correlates to the incidence of AIDS in childbearing women. HIV-infected pregnant women need on-going comprehensive prenatal care with a special focus on HIV management. Antepartum care should include an HIV-focused history and physical examination, as well as additional laboratory assessments to screen for viral and bacterial infections. Intrapartum care should focus on avoiding contact with infected or potentially infected secretions and body fluids. Postpartum care should emphasize development of a comprehensive and integrative plan of care for mother, baby and family unit prior to discharge. Avoidance of breastfeeding and strategies to prevent further HIV transmission must be stressed.     

Heterosexually acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection and the United States blood supply: considerations for screening of potential blood donors. HIV Blood Donor Study Group

The impact of heterosexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the United States blood supply was assessed, and deferral criteria that may exclude potential donors who are at high risk for heterosexually acquired HIV infection were evaluated. Interviews were conducted with 508 HIV-seropositive blood donors from May 1, 1988, to August 31, 1989 (Phase 1), and with 472 donors from January 1, 1990, to May 31, 1991 (Phase 2), at 20 blood centers. From Phase 1 to Phase 2, the overall HIV prevalence decreased from 0.021 to 0.018 percent (p < 0.001). HIV risk factors among HIV-1-seropositive donors were similar during both study phases. Eleven percent of the men and 56 percent of the women reported as their only risk that they had a heterosexual partner who was at increased risk for HIV or was known to have HIV. These percentages were similar during both study periods. During Phase 2, 13 percent of the men and 17 percent of the women with heterosexual transmission risk had a positive serologic test for syphilis, hepatitis B core antibody, or hepatitis C antibody. Among HIV- 1-seropositive donors reporting heterosexual risk, the median numbers of previous-year and lifetime sex partners for men were 2 and 30, respectively; for women, those numbers were 1 and 7, respectively. Thirty-one percent of the men and 6 percent of the women reporting heterosexual transmission risk also reported having had syphilis or gonorrhea within 3 years of donation. It is concluded that the impact of heterosexual transmission of HIV infection on transfusion safety is not worsening at this time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Use of traditional medicine among pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia

OBJECTIVE: We studied the prevalence of and predictors for traditional medicine use among pregnant women seeking care in the Lusaka, Zambia public health system. SUBJECTS: We surveyed 1128 pregnant women enrolled in a clinical trial of perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies at two district delivery centers. OUTCOME MEASURES: Postpartum questionnaires were administered to determine demographic characteristics, behavioral characteristics, HIV knowledge, and prior use of traditional medicines. RESULTS: Of the 1128 women enrolled, 335 (30%) reported visiting a traditional healer in the past; 237 (21%) reported using a traditional healer during the current pregnancy. Overall, 54% believed that admitting to a visit to a traditional healer would result in worse medical care. When women who had used traditional medicines were compared to those who had not, no demographic differences were noted. However, women who reported use of traditional medicine were more likely to drink alcohol during pregnancy, have >or=2 sex partners, engage in "dry sex," initiate sex with their partner, report a previously treated sexually transmitted disease, and use contraception (all p < 0.01). HIV-infected women who reported using traditional healers were also less likely to adhere to a proven medical regimen to reduce HIV transmission to their infant (25% versus 50%, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Use of traditional medicine during pregnancy is common, stigmatized, and may be associated with nonadherence to antiretroviral regimens. Health care providers must open lines of communication with traditional healers and with pregnant women themselves to maximize program success.     

广西壮族自治区HIV感染孕产妇分娩高暴露风险儿童影响因素分析

目的 分析广西壮族自治区（广西）HIV感染孕产妇分娩高暴露风险儿童的影响因素。方法 通过全国“预防艾滋病、梅毒和乙肝母婴传播管理信息系统”选取广西各级医疗保健机构报告且出生日期为2016年1月1日至2020年12月31日的HIV感染孕产妇分娩的儿童;收集其母亲人口学特征、确诊感染时间、孕期保健情况、抗病毒治疗情况和病毒载量等信息。采用χ2检验进行单因素分析,采用多因素logistic回归模型,分析分娩HIV高暴露风险儿童的影响因素。结果 研究对象2 707例,其中普通暴露风险儿童2 277例,高暴露风险儿童的430例。多因素分析结果显示,HIV感染孕产妇文化程度高是避免儿童发生高暴露风险的保护因素;本次妊娠确诊HIV感染的孕产妇分娩高暴露风险儿童的可能性高于孕前已确诊的孕产妇,OR值（95%CI）为10.928(8.140～14.671);与初检孕周在孕早期的感染孕产妇相比,初检孕周在孕晚期的孕产妇分娩高暴露风险儿童可能性更高,OR值（95%CI）为21.997(15.253～31.723)。高暴露风险儿童HIV母婴传播率为13.44%,普通暴露风险儿童HIV母婴传播率为0.43%。结...     

沂蒙山区某县外来妇女艾滋病流行病学调查分析

目的了解山东省某县外来妇女HIV感染状态及流行病学特征。方法通过流行病学现状调查掌握外来妇女HIV感染状态以及感染者的流行病学特征。结果全县共有外省或外籍嫁入女性1107人,在接受HIV检测的787人中有19人感染HIV,感染率高达2.41%。流行病学个案调查,结果显示,有13人来自云南,4人来自缅甸,1人来自贵州;嫁入到本地的时间不等,自2个月至5年;嫁入本地前均有过婚姻史或性接触史;夫妻性生活中均从不使用安全套;有2人的丈夫HIV阳性;1例婴儿感染HIV;对17位女性感染者进行了CD4+T细胞计数,有3人少于200个/mm3。结论部分农村地区外来妇女人口中可能感染有HIV,需要对这一人群加强艾滋病的咨询检测、健康教育和行为干预,对感染者进行随访,防止家庭内的二代传播。     

Acyclovir in combination with zidovudine does not prolong survival in advanced HIV disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between acyclovir use and survival in HIV-infected patients. To achieve this, we used survival analysis in an observational cohort of HIV-infected patients enrolled in primary care at an urban HIV clinic. We measured survival in a cohort of HIV-infected patients who had CD4 cell counts < or = 500/mm3 and who enrolled for care at a single urban HIV clinic between December 1988 and April 1995. We compared survival in users of acyclovir alone, zidovudine alone, and acyclovir and zidovudine in combination with the survival of those using neither drug. Factors associated with improved survival were identified using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Among the 1408 patients enrolled, there were no significant differences in overall survival between acyclovir users and non-users. After adjustment for CD4 cell count, the use of other antiretroviral agents, race, transmission risk and a history of herpesvirus infection, acyclovir use alone was independently associated with a relative hazard (RH) of death of 1.008 (P = 0.969); zidovudine use alone with a RH of 0.559 (P < 0.001); and combination use of acyclovir and zidovudine associated with a RH of 1.062 (P = 0.788). Therefore we conclude that the use of acyclovir is not associated with prolonged survival in this cohort of HIV-infected patients.     

Improving women's adjustment to HIV infection: results of the Positive Life Skills Workshop Project.

Women face many challenges as they adjust to life with HIV infection. This report describes the results of a program designed to assist HIV-infected women to reframe negative meanings associated with HIV infection and adjust to HIV infection. The idea for the Positive Life Skills (PLS) workshop emerged from the results of a study of adjustment to chronic illness among HIV-infected women, guided by the cognitive appraisal model of stress and coping. Small-group sessions (6-15 women) met weekly for 10 consecutive weeks to identify and dialogue about personal and group learning needs. Women explored the power of art, science, and alternative therapies as venues for reframing the meaning of HIV in their lives. The workshop participants included 187 HIV-infected women (mean age, 39 years; range, 23-62 years). Responses from the workshop participants over a 6-year time frame suggested that the PLS workshop was effective at increasing antiretroviral adherence, improving mental well-being, and reducing stress.