Symptoms of depression and rates of neurocognitive impairment in HIV positive patients in Beijing, China

Background In China an estimated 780,000 people are living with HIV (PLWH). In high-income countries PLWH are at increased risk of depression, with subsequent adverse consequences for quality of life, and HIV-related morbidity and mortality. There are few data from low-and middle-income countries. The aims of this country-specific investigation of the Asia Pacific NeuroAIDS Consortium (APNAC) study were to establish the point prevalence, severity and HIV-related and non-HIV related correlates of depressive symptoms in PLWH, in Beijing, China. Method PLWH attending an outpatient clinic at Ditan Hospital, Beijing were recruited consecutively. Data sources were: study-specific questions about demographic characteristics, and health behaviours, the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the World Health Organisation Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) translated into Mandarin and administered as structured individual interviews, and a screen battery of four standard neuropsychological tests. Results In total 50/51 (98 ) eligible patients agreed to participate. Overall 28 scored CES-D=16 or SRQ20=10 and 18 in these clinical ranges on both measures; 69 were classified as being neuropsychologically impaired (scoring below 1 SD of the control value on at least two tests). Higher depressive symptom scores were associated with lower education, alcohol overuse and diminished motor ability (all p