ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VIRAL LOAD AND SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH HIV REPORTING TO A TERTIARY CARE PUBLIC SECTOR HIV CENTRE AT SUKKUR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background:
Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities among people living with HIV. Although the relationship between depression and viral load has been explored in many countries, limited data exist from Pakistan, especially from smaller cities such as Sukkur. This study examines whether viral load is has association with the severity of depression among HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic, Sukkur.

Methods:
This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study which was conducted between January and June 2023 at the HIV/AIDS Clinic of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMC) Hospital Sukkur (A tertiary care public-sector teaching hospital). The study comprised of forty registered HIV-positive patients who were selected through convenience sampling. Viral load levels (detected through laboratory reports) and depression scores, (measured by using a valid scale the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale HAM-D), were recorded. Viral load was categorized into three categories: suppressed (<200 copies/ml), low-level viremia (200–1000 copies/ml), and high-level viremia (>1000 copies/ml).

Results:
Half of the participants had mild depression, 25% were experiencing moderate depression, and 15% fell into the category of severe depression. Viral load analysis of the subjects showed that 42.5% had suppressed viral load, 35% had low-level viremia, and 22.5% had high-level viremia. Higher viral load levels were notably associated with more severe symptoms of depression.

Conclusion:
A clear and significant association was observed between elevated viral load and increased severity of depressive symptoms. These findings reveal the importance of integrating mental health screening and services into HIV care, particularly in relatively backward areas of the region.