Depressive Symptoms Associated with Low Quality of Life Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women Living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand

BACKGROUND OR OBJECTIVES: Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at increased risk of depression. In pregnancy, depression could affect health and pregnancy outcomes, as well as child rearing. We assessed depressive symptoms and quality of life of WLHIV during the perinatal period. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 15 hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF_THAI) were used to screen for depressive symptoms and to assess quality of life (QOL), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS. Descriptive statistics were reported. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine association between depressive symptom scores and QOL. Regression coefficient (b) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred WLHIV were enrolled and the mean age was 29.2 ±7.5 years. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 30 (30%), 95% CI 21-39; specifically, 34 (34%) in pregnant and 27 (27%) in postpartum women. Overall, depressive symptoms were mild in 22 (22%), moderate in 7 (7%), and moderately severe in one (1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that verbal abuse by partner (b=4.751 (95% CI=2.306-9.790), p< 0.001) and lifetime alcohol use (b=3.403 (95% CI=1.427-8.115), p=0.006) were associated with depressive symptoms. The overall perception of own health and quality of life of WLHIV in all domains were lower than that of HIV-negative women. WLHIV with depressive symptoms had a significantly lower QOL than those without. CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: In this study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in women living with HIV was similar to that in HIV-negative women. WLHIV with depressive symptoms had a significantly lower QOL than those without. Mental health screening in antenatal and postpartum clinic is warranted.