A Comparison of MSM Stigma, HIV Stigma and Depression in HIV-Positive Latino and African American Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM).

A Comparison of MSM Stigma, HIV Stigma and Depression in HIV-Positive Latino and African American Men who have Sex with Men (MSM).

Filed under: Depression Treatment

AIDS Behav. 2012 Dec 18;
Wohl AR, Galvan FH, Carlos JA, Myers HF, Garland W, Witt MD, Cadden J, Operskalski E, Jordan W, George S

Little research has examined differences in HIV stigma versus MSM stigma and the role of these stigmas in depression for HIV-positive Latino and African American men who have sex with men (MSM), subgroups disproportionately impacted by HIV in the US. MSM stigma, HIV stigma, depression, stress and social support were examined among HIV-positive Latino (n = 100) and African American (n = 99) MSM patients at five HIV clinics in Los Angeles County, California. In multiple regression models, Latino MSM had higher HIV stigma scores (p = 0.002) but lower MSM stigma scores (p < 0.001) compared to African American MSM. General support and stress were associated with HIV stigma (p < 0.001), but not MSM stigma. Both HIV stigma (p < 0.0001) and MSM stigma (p < 0.0001) were associated with depression. These data underscore the differences in experienced stigma for Latino and African American MSM and can be used to shape effective stigma reduction programs and behavioral counseling. HubMed – depression

Does Screening HIV-Positive Individuals in Uganda for Major Depressive Disorder Improve Case Detection Rates and Antidepressant Prescription?

Filed under: Depression Treatment

AIDS Behav. 2012 Dec 18;
Akena D, Stein DJ, Joska J

Major depressive disorder in HIV-positive persons is often not diagnosed, and poorly treated. The effect of depression screening on case detection, and rates of antidepressant prescription is unknown.We assessed 368 participants for major depressive disorder, and provided clinicians with the results. Four weeks later, we abstracted information from the charts of the depressed patients to ascertain if they received antidepressants. We also randomly sampled the charts of 368 non-screened patients, to ascertain whether clinicians had diagnosed and prescribed antidepressant treatment.Major depressive disorder was identified in 17.9 % of the screened group, and in 2.1 % of the non-screened group [OR = 9.65, CI = (4.54-20.50)]. The screened individuals were 7.8 times more likely to receive antidepressants (95 % CI = 3.04-20.24). Identification of major depressive disorder by clinicians in HIV settings remains poor. However, routine screening can improve case detection rates and the proportion of patients receiving antidepressants.
HubMed – depression

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