Risk and protective factors in association with mental health problems among people living with HIV who were former plasma/blood donors in rural China

A random sample of 271 people living with HIV (PLWH) who were former plasma/blood donors and a convenience sample of 67 HIV negative villagers were anonymously interviewed. Compared with the non-PLWH, PLWH reported higher prevalence of symptoms of depression (adjusted OR = 2.53, p=0.001), anxiety (adjusted OR = 1.85, p=0.04), and stress (adjusted OR = 1.77, p=0.06). Of the PLWH respondents, 81.7% received Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART); 32.1% of whom reported some side effects. Respectively 13.7%, 37.4%, and 38.4% PLWH perceived discrimination from their family members, relatives/friends, and neighbors. Absence of HAART, poor physical function, perceived discrimination from relatives and friends, and low level of resilience were associated with depression (stepwise regression; = - 0.28-0.17, R-square = 0.22), anxiety and stress (R-square = 0.32 and 0.16, respectively). The majority of respondents (70.1%) desired group intervention as a means for providing psychological support services. Relevant programs should both remove risk factors (e.g., absence of medical treatment, HIV-related discrimination) and promote protective factors (e.g., resilience). Support group is one of the potentially useful approaches to provide psychological support services.