Anxiety and depression among women living with HIV in Kazakhstan

An increase in new HIV infections among women in Kazakhstan has motivated efforts to improve access to comprehensive health services. This study estimates anxiety and depression frequency among women seeking HIV services. A cross-sectional survey was administered to women seen at the Almaty AIDS Center. Bivariable analyses (e.g., Chi-square, means with 95% confidence intervals) were performed to assess the relationship between anxiety (score of 10 or more on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7)), major depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ-8)), and comorbid anxiety and major depression with sociodemographic characteristics, health functioning, and medication history. Of the 410 participants, 62 (15.1%) had a GAD-7 ≥ 10; 52 (12.7%) met major depression criteria; 35 (8.5%) met both criteria, and 79 (19.3%) met GAD-7, major depression, or both criteria. Women reporting depression or anxiety were more likely to lack food security (p < 0.01), not finish secondary school (p < 0.01), speak Russian at home (p < 0.01), perceive their health to be poor (p < 0.01), and report poorer physical and mental health functioning (p < 0.05). No medications approved for the treatment of anxiety or depression were reported. The considerable number of women reporting major depression and anxiety symptoms suggests a need for improving access to mental health care.