Depression, Social Support, and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV in Guangxi, China: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Depression can result in poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLHIV), and social support can help mitigate the negative relationship. However, little is known about how depression and social support synergistically influence ART adherence over time. The current study aims to explore longitudinal associations between them and examine which sources of social support can play a mediating role between depression and ART adherence over time. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between 2013 and 2016 in Guangxi, China. The study sample was composed of 319 PLHIV who were randomized into control condition and provided data at baseline and at least one of the six follow-ups. The results revealed negative associations of depression with ART adherence over time, and a mediating effect of perceived support from spouse/partner or children. Interventions to promote ART adherence should focus on strengthening PLHIV's relationships with their spouse/partner and children, promoting collaborative provider-patient relationships, and enhancing peer support among PLHIV.

Keywords: antiretroviral therapy; depression; people living with HIV; social support; treatment adherence.