Stress and Depression Among HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual AIDS Caregivers

From a survey of 416 gay and bisexual male AIDS caregivers, we examined differences in the stress process and predictors of depressive symptomatology by caregivers' HIV serostatus (n = 164 HIV-positive and n = 252 HIV-negative). Results indicate that HIV-positive caregivers reported higher levels of depressive symptomatology than those who were HIV-negative. Parallel regression analyses revealed that a younger age, role-related stress, and low self-esteem were common predictors of depressive symptomatology for both groups. Group-specific predictors of depression for the HIV-positive caregivers were poorer health and financial concerns. In contrast, the group-specific predictor for the HIV-negative caregivers was higher stress associated with direct acts of caregiving. These results suggest that in order to stem depressive symptomatology, gay and bisexual male caregivers need support directed at reducing stress stemming from their role as caregivers as well as services designed to address low self-esteem. In addition, serostatus should be taken into account when designing service plans because seropositive and seronegative caregivers may require different supportive services.