Depression and non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy: The Moderational role of stress

Abstract

Stress and Depression continue to be significant comorbidities for people living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, few studies have identified factors associated with changes in adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Therefore, this study sought to investigate whether stress moderates the relationship between depression and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS. A quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational survey was conducted involving 148 HIV positive adults receiving care from Kiswa Health Centre III. Data was collected using a self report questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive analysis, linear regression analysis and the process macro for SPSS. Results revealed that the highest number of respondents 69 (46.6%) started taking their ARVs between 2015 and 2019 and the sample was predominantly made up of respondents 138 (93.2%) who were taking pills once a day. Stress was a significant predictor of depression (p= .001 < .05). However, Stress did not significantly predict non-adherence to ART (p = .610> .05), and also depression did not significantly predict non-adherence to ART (p = .146 > .05). More so, results in this study revealed that the relationship between depression and Non adherence was not significantly dependent upon stress. Conclusion, the fact that stress was found to be a significant predictor of depression, identifying and addressing mental health problems such as stress and depression consistently among people living with HIV/AIDSwould play a big role in promoting high adherence to their antiretrovirals (ARVs) and improving on their quality of life through psychosocial counselling.