Author:
Liu Huan,Yang Yisi,Tian Yingnan,Gao Shanshan,Ma Yunxia,Wang Yuxuan,Xin Ling,Luo Nana,Wang Xinyu,Meng Nan,Zhuge Ruiqian,Wang Qunkai,Wu Qunhong,Liu Baohua
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Alexithymia is common and causes serious harm to people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this study aimed to examine its prevalence and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in China.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two designated AIDS medical institutions in Harbin, China between January and December 2019. In total, 767 participants completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness short-form, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the HIV Treatment Regimen Fatigue Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption. The participants responded to several questions regarding their demographic characteristics, life satisfaction, disease-related economic burden, and their antiretroviral therapy (ART) side effects. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the relationship between alexithymia and associated factors. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for OR were calculated.
Results
Approximately 36.1% of the participants were classified as having alexithymia. After adjusted age and education, the logistic regression model indicated that disease-related economic burden (OR = 1.477, 95% CI = 1.155–1.888), ART side effects (OR = 1.249, 95% CI = 1.001–1.559), loneliness (OR = 1.166, 95% CI = 1.101–1.236), and HIV treatment regimen fatigue (OR = 1.028, 95% CI = 1.017–1.039) were positively associated with alexithymia.
Conclusions
The mental health problems of people living with HIV/AIDS are essential to understand and deserve attention. Disease-related economic burdens are major associated factors. Multiple actors should provide better services and guarantees for patients.
Funder
Postdoctoral Program of Heilongjiang Province
Heilongjiang Provincial University’s Project of Graduate Scientific Research Business Fees
the Scientific research project of Health Commission of Heilongjiang Province
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health