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Social factors increased suicide risk in HIV patients

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Factors such as having low social support and facing stigma significantly increased risk for suicide in HIV-infected adolescents and adults, according to study results presented at the 2013 International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"These factors need to be routinely assessed and addressed in HIV/AIDS care," researchers said.

The study followed 317 HIV-positive patients aged at least 15 years who received care at HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda.

Approximately 9% of participants experienced suicidality. Low social support (OR=0.301; 95% CI, 0.102-0.888), feeling unable to provide for family and friends (OR=0.185; 95% CI, 0.073-0.474), and being stigmatized because of their HIV-positive status (OR=2.477; 95% CI, 1.108-5.535) were all associated with increased suicidality.

"Social factors associated with negative emotions are the ones associated with increased risk of suicidality," the researchers concluded.

For more information:

Rukundo GZ. Abstract MOPE087. Presented at: 7th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention; June 30-July 3, 2013; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.