A randomized controlled trial of an HIV/AIDS Symptom Management Manual for depressive symptoms

Lucille S. Eller, Kenn M. Kirksey, Patrice K. Nicholas, Inge B. Corless, William L. Holzemer, Dean J. Wantland, Suzanne S. Willard, Linda Robinson, Mary Jane Hamilton, Elizabeth F. Sefcik, Shahnaz Moezzi, Marta Rivero Mendez, Maria Rosa, Sarie Human

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent, underdiagnosed, and undertreated in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), and are associated with poorer health outcomes. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of the HIV/AIDS Symptom Management Manual self-care symptom management strategies compared with a nutrition manual on depressive symptoms in an international sample of PLWH. The sample consisted of a sub-group (N=222) of participants in a larger study symptom management study who reported depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms of the intervention (n=124) and control (n=98) groups were compared over three months: baseline, one-month, and two-months. Use and effectiveness of specific strategies were examined. Depressive symptom frequency at baseline varied significantly by country (χ 2 12.9; p=0.04). Within the intervention group there were significant differences across time in depressive symptom frequency [F(2, 207) = 3.27, p=0.05], intensity [F(2, 91) = 4.6, p=0.01], and impact [F(2, 252) = 2.92, p= 0.05), and these were significantly lower at one month but not at two months, suggesting that self-care strategies are effective in reducing depressive symptoms, however effects may be short term. Most used and most effective self-care strategies were distraction techniques and prayer. This study suggests that people living with HIV can be taught and will employ self-care strategies for management of depressive symptoms and that these strategies are effective in reducing these symptoms. Self-care strategies are noninvasive, have no side-effects, and can be readily taught as an adjunct to other forms of treatment. Studies are needed to identify the most effective self-care strategies and quantify optimum dose and frequency of use as a basis for evidence-based practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)391-399
Number of pages9
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume25
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Keywords

  • HIV disease
  • depressive symptoms
  • randomized controlled trial
  • self-management
  • symptom management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A randomized controlled trial of an HIV/AIDS Symptom Management Manual for depressive symptoms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this