Objective: To evaluate prevalence, incidence, remission, and persistence of psychiatric and substance use disorders among HIV-infected mothers and identify biopsychosocial correlates.
Methods: HIV-infected mothers (n = 1223) of HIV-exposed uninfected children enrolled in a prospective cohort study; HIV-uninfected mothers (n = 128) served as a comparison group. Mothers provided sociodemographic and health information and completed the Client Diagnostic Questionnaire (CDQ). Prevalence of any psychiatric or substance use disorder at initial evaluation was compared between the 2 groups. Incident, remitting, and persisting disorders were identified for 689 mothers with HIV who completed follow-up CDQs. We used logistic regression to evaluate adjusted associations of biopsychosocial characteristics with presence, incidence, remission, and persistence of disorders.
Results: Thirty-five percent of mothers screened positive for any psychiatric or substance use disorder at initial evaluation, with no difference by maternal HIV status (P = 1.00). Among HIV-infected mothers, presence of any disorder was associated with younger age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.39; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.75], single parenthood (aOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.68), and functional limitations (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.81 to 2.90). Incident disorders were associated with functional limitations (aOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.30). Among HIV-infected mothers with a disorder at initial evaluation (n = 238), 61% had persistent disorders. Persistent disorders were associated with lower income (aOR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.33 to 4.76) and functional limitations (aOR: 3.19; 95% CI: 1.87 to 5.48). Receipt of treatment for any disorder was limited: 4.5% at study entry, 7% at follow-up, 5.5% at both entry and follow-up.
Conclusions: Psychiatric and substance use disorders remain significant comorbid conditions among HIV-infected mothers and require accessible evidence-informed treatment.