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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 6 people living with HIV in Panama experience moderate-to-severe depression, and nearly 1 in 5 report high anxiety. Discrimination, chronic pain, and difficulty with daily activities were the strongest risk factors for both conditions. Researchers are calling for better integration of mental health screening and social support into HIV care settings.
A cross-sectional study of 317 adults receiving HIV care at two urban clinics in Panama found that mental health struggles are widespread among people living with HIV. About 16.1% reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms and 20.4% had high levels of anxiety — rates that underscore a significant, often overlooked burden in this population.
The study identified several key risk factors. Discrimination, chronic pain, and difficulty performing daily activities were strongly linked to both depression and anxiety. Younger age and recent drug use were also associated with higher odds of depression, while insufficient day-to-day resources were tied to elevated anxiety. Greater life satisfaction, on the other hand, emerged as a protective factor against anxiety.
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Why it matters: HIV care has long focused on viral suppression, but this study highlights that mental health is a critical — and undertreated — dimension of patient wellbeing. Integrating mental health screening and social support services into HIV care could meaningfully improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
