Brief Report: Depression, Substance Use, and Factors Associated With Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Adults Living With HIV in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Background: Mental health and substance use disorders are common among people living with HIV and are associated with high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners, but Asia-Pacific data are limited.

Methods: Adult PLHIV in care at five Asia-Pacific HIV clinics were enrolled at routine clinic visits between July 2019 and June 2020. Depression, substance use, sexual practice and socio-demographic data were collected using PHQ-9, ASSIST, and a study-specific questionnaire.

Factors associated with reduced function and quality of life among adult people with HIV with depression and substance use in the Asia-Pacific region.

Background: Depression and substance use (SU) disorders are prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) and impact health outcomes despite successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). We explored quality of life, functional ability and associated factors among PWH screened positive for depression and/or SU.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited adult PWH during routine follow-up at five HIV clinical sites in the Asia-Pacific region.

Prevalence and Risks of Depression and Substance Use Among Adults Living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Despite the mental health and substance use burden among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Asia-Pacific, data on their associations with HIV clinical outcomes are limited. This cross-sectional study of PLHIV at five sites assessed depression and substance use using PHQ-9 and ASSIST. Among 864 participants, 88% were male, median age was 39 years, 97% were on ART, 67% had an HIV viral load available and < 1000 copies/mL, 19% had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, and 80% had ever used at least one substance.