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Abstract
Background
Psychiatric disorders are common in the course of HIV infection, and depression is
one of the most prevalent. Another consequence is the decrease in self-esteem of the
individual, marked by the accumulation and fat loss in areas of the body, one of the
side effects of drugs. This study aims to characterize aspects demographics, economics,
clinical and epidemiological and identify symptoms of depression and assess self-esteem
in individuals with HIV/AIDS at different stages of infection.
Methods
Descriptive and quantitative study, conducted in an inland city of Sao Paulo (Brazil).
Data were collected through interviews with individuals with HIV/AIDS, using as instruments
Beck Depression Inventory, Scale of self-esteem by Rosenberg and a questionnaire with
data economic, demographic, clinical and epidemiological data.
Results
We interviewed 75 individuals, and 50.7% were male. The predominant age group was
between 29 and 39 years (42.7%), 69.3% reported having been infected through sex;
sexual orientation, 92% is held as heterosexual. Identified that 22 (29.4%) had depressive
symptoms and as such, 4 (18.1%) with symptoms of mild to moderate, 6 (27.2%) with
moderate to severe and 12 (54.5%) with severe symptoms. The self-esteem was identified
scores of 14 to 23 of which 34.7% had a score of 16 points, which indicates low self-esteem.
Discussion
The analysis of data showed that the individuals interviewed are young, most were
infected through sexual intercourse and almost 30% had depressive symptoms and low
self-esteem. The depression associated with anxiety reflects a detrimental effect
on quality of life of the individual with HIV/AIDS, with it's extremely important
to invest in media and treatments to relieve pain and suffering of the individual.
Regarding self-esteem, their confidence levels influence the personal care and take
the individual to not seeking treatment. The correct diagnosis is essential for the
proper treatment of these patients to increase adherence and improve the quality of
life.