FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION AND HIGH-RISK SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR AMONG PERSONS DIAGNOSED WITH HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION

Whereas some people appear to cope after learning that they have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, others experience depression and suicidal ideation. In this study, 142 persons with HIV infection w ere administered the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Sca le (CES-D). High levels of depression were predicted by lower perceive d social support, attributions that health was influenced more by chan ce, high-risk sexual behavior practices, and greater number of HIV ill ness symptoms and greater duration of time knowing of one's own positi ve serostatus. Ongoing high-risk sexual behavior practices were predic ted by higher levels of recreational drug use and of depression. These findings highlight the need for improved mental health services for p ersons with HIV conditions.