Original Research

Childhood trauma, substance use and depressive symptoms in people with HIV during COVID-19

Nikita Prosad Singh, Vuyokazi Ntlantsana, Andrew Tomita, Saeeda Paruk
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 30 | a2220 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2220 | © 2024 Nikita Prosad Singh, Vuyokazi Ntlantsana, Andrew Tomita, Saeeda Paruk | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 31 October 2023 | Published: 08 October 2024

About the author(s)

Nikita Prosad Singh, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Vuyokazi Ntlantsana, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Andrew Tomita, KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban,, South Africa
Saeeda Paruk, Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), substance use, depressive symptoms, and HIV outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) have not been comprehensively investigated within a single study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and association of ACEs, substance use, depressive symptoms and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes in PLWHIV accessing HIV care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Setting: District hospital HIV clinic in South Africa.

Methods: A total of 196 PLWHIV completed a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire; an adapted World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test; WHO ACEs International Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results: The most common ACEs were having one or no parent, parental separation or divorce (n = 131, 66.8%), exposure to collective (n = 57, 29.1%) and community violence (n = 55, 28.1%), with 40.3% (n = 79) experiencing ≥ 3 ACEs. The most commonly used substances were alcohol (n = 34, 17.3%), tobacco (n = 33, 16.8%), and cannabis (n =13, 6.6%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 19.4% (n = 38). Linear regression analyses indicated greater alcohol (adj β = 2.84, p < 0.01), tobacco (adj β = 3.64, p < 0.01) and cannabis use risk scores (adj β = 2.39, p < 0.01) were associated with ≥ 3 ACEs. Logistic regression indicated depressive risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 9.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.78–23.51) was associated with ≥ 3 ACEs.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of ACEs, substance use and depressive symptoms exists among PLWHIV, along with an association between cumulative ACEs and both substance use and depressive symptoms.

Contribution: Enhanced screening and management services are recommended to address this triple burden in PLWHIV.


Keywords

adverse childhood experiences; alcohol; tobacco; cannabis; depression; HIV; COVID-19; South Africa.

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Metrics

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