Long-Term HIV Survivors Face Higher Depression Risk During Pandemic

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Health Desk

In Short: African American and Hispanic women living with HIV for 15 years or more are nearly four times as likely to experience depression during the pandemic.

African American and Hispanic women living with HIV for 15 years or more are nearly four times as likely to experience depression during the pandemic, according to a new study.

The research, published in Medscape, highlights the unique mental health challenges faced by long-term survivors of HIV.

Among these women, self-silencing — the act of suppressing thoughts and emotions to maintain relationships — was found to be strongly associated with increased odds of depression.

This finding underscores the importance of addressing mental health concerns in long-term HIV survivors, who may face additional stressors related to their prolonged condition.

Healthcare providers and support networks should be aware of these heightened risks and work to provide tailored mental health support for long-term HIV survivors.

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