Sociodemographic and HIV-Related Characteristics Associated with Mental Health Diagnoses Among People Living with HIV

Mental health diagnoses have been linked to poor HIV treatment outcomes and poorer quality of life among people living with HIV (PLWH). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic and HIV-related characteristics, and common and serious mental health disorders among PLWH in South Carolina (SC). Data were obtained from the integrated system of statewide electronic health record (EHR) data in SC (2006-2019; N = 8,124). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between sociodemographic and HIV-related characteristics, and common mental health disorders and serious mental health disorders. Among the study population, 4% were 60 and older, 22% were female, 17% lived in rural areas, and 10% were virally suppressed. Approximately 19% had common mental health disorders while 7% had serious mental health conditions. Sex, race, population type, alcohol use, viral load and comorbidities were associated with having a common mental health diagnosis and serious mental health diagnosis. Mental health intervention and prevention programs should consider addressing these factors and the specific populations that are greatly impacted by adverse mental health outcomes.