Depression Risk is Associated With Higher Viral Loads in Women Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus [21Q]

INTRODUCTION: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients in Cameroon have a three-fold increased risk of depression compared to non-infected patients. This study identifies the relationship between psychological, social, and economic factors that affect disease progression in this population. METHODS: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression risk assessments, viral load, marriage, religion, occupation, and income data was collected from 237 women in a cross-sectional study, from the Buea and Limbe municipalities of Cameroon. An independent T-test was performed to compare viral loads in patients with high and low-risk depression assessments, as defined as a PHQ-9 score above or below 10. Two-way ANOVA was performed to evaluate the interaction of several social factors and depression risk on viral load. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference exists between mean HIV viral load in individuals with low-risk (<10) versus high-risk depression screening (>9) (7,281 vs 206,433, P <.001). Married women high-risk for depression had the highest viral load 465,014, with a statistically significant interaction between marriage and depression on viral load (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Women at high risk for depression were more negatively affected by the social construct of marriage, with higher mean viral loads. Mental health and social factors seem to influence immunologic resilience and subsequent disease progression in certain at risk populations of HIV- positive women. Strategies to improve treatment outcomes may be more effective with consideration of these psycho-social factors.