Factors Influencing Co-Morbid Suicidal Ideation among Newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS Patients in Shenzhen: A Structural Equation Model (Preprint)

Abstract

HIV co-morbid suicidal ideation is an important public health problem. And the prime time for suicide ideation intervention among newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in the early stage of HIV/AIDS diagnosed.

This study aims to apply structural equation modeling to investigate suicidal ideation among newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients to provide a basis for subsequent intervention studies.

A cross-sectional survey of suicidal ideation among newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients was conducted from November 2019 to January 2021 at the HIV Voluntary Counseling & Testing Clinic of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Shenzhen by convenience sampling, using a uniform self-administered questionnaire combined with a professional scale. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square test, logistic regression analysis, Spearman rank correlation, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and their direct and indirect effects.

A total of 263 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients were collected in the study, aged 18-65 years, 39.9% of patients had suicidal ideation. Age, believing that he is a victim of intentional HIV transmission, HIV self-test results, depression, stigma, and social support were significant influential factors for suicidal ideation in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients. The results of structural equation modeling analysis showed that the effect of age on suicidal ideation was -0.151; the effect of self-perception of being infected with HIV by intentional transmission on suicidal ideation was 0.154; the effect of depression on suicidal ideation was 0.171; the effect of social support on suicidal ideation was -0.148; and the effect of perceived discrimination on suicidal ideation was 0.392.

Mental health problems are a key influence on suicidal ideation among newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients, and interventions for HIV-infected patients should focus not only on their physical health but also on their mental health.