Depression partially mediated the relationship between basic psychological needs and quality of life among people living with HIV

ABSTRACT

Few studies have examined the relationship between basic psychological needs (BPN), depression and quality of life (QOL) in people living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study (N = 65; 37% females, 37% Caucasian, mean age = 55 ± 6 years, mean CD4 count = 668 ± 368 cells/mm³, average duration of HIV = 18 ± 4 years) found that BPN frustration was related with lower QOL. The strength of this relationship was reduced after controlling for depression. This suggests that depression partially mediated the relationship between BPN and QOL. BPN and depression may be specific targets for psychosocial interventions aimed at improving QOL in PLWH to promote successful aging.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• basic psychological needs
• quality of life
• depression
• mediation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the NIH K23AG043319; NIH P30 AI078498; and Harford Foundation of Excellence Grant.