Incident depression symptoms are associated with poorer HAART adherence: a longitudinal analysis from the Nutrition for Healthy Living study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between incident depression symptoms and suboptimal adherence to HIV highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

Participants in a cohort study of persons with HIV on HAART with at least 4 consecutive semiannual study visits were included (n = 225). Incident depression was defined as having 2 visits with a negative depression screening test followed by 2 visits with a positive test. Comparison group participants had 4 consecutive visits with a negative depression screening test. Suboptimal adherence was defined as missing >5% of HAART doses in the past 7 days. We compared suboptimal adherence rates in those with and without incident depression symptoms and estimated the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals of suboptimal adherence at visit 4 in those adherent at baseline (n = 177), controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Twenty-two percent developed depression symptoms. Those developing depression symptoms had higher rates of suboptimal adherence at follow-up (45.1% vs. 25.9%, P < 0.01). Among those with optimal baseline adherence, those with incident depression were nearly 2 times more likely to develop suboptimal adherence (Adjusted relative risk =1.8, 95% confidence interval =1.1 to 3.0) at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Incident depression symptoms were associated with subsequent suboptimal HAART adherence. Ongoing aggressive screening for, and treatment of, depression may improve HAART outcomes.