Depression symptoms, HIV testing, linkage to ART, and viral suppression among women in a high HIV burden district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A cross-sectional household study

J Health Psychol. 2022 Mar;27(4):936-945. doi: 10.1177/1359105320982042. Epub 2020 Dec 31.

Abstract

Achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets by 2020 is contingent on identifying and addressing mental health challenges that may affect HIV testing and treatment-related behaviors. This study is based on survey data from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2014-2015). HIV positive women who reported higher depression scores had a lower odds of having tested previously for HIV (15-25 years: AOR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.83, 0.98]; 26-49 years: AOR = 0.90, 95% CI [0.84, 0.96]). Because HIV testing behavior represents a gateway to treatment, the findings suggest mental health may be one challenge to attaining the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets.

Keywords: 90-90-90; Depression; HIV care cascade; HIV/AIDS; Mental health; UNAIDS fast track.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections* / therapy
  • HIV Testing
  • Humans
  • South Africa / epidemiology