Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers: a comparative study

Background: Worldwide estimate indicates that more than 40.3 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and out of these, eight million are young people in the age group of 14-24 years. India is reported to be the second largest population of HIV-infected persons. Aim: A cross-sectional study was planned to assess the level of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in people living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. Materials and methods: A group of 300 participants was assessed on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire. Results: The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Overall, the results showed that people with HIV negative, HIV positive, and AIDS (F=616.96, df=2,147, p<0.01) as well as their caregivers (F=1365.10, df=2,147, p<0.01) significantly differed on depressive symptoms. Similarly, there were significant variations in suicidal ideation in caregivers of people with HIV negative, positive, and AIDS. Conclusion: Findings of the study highlight the need to develop targeted prevention initiatives including education, and counselling to prevent suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in these individuals and their caregivers.