Depressive symptoms, HIV disclosure, and HIV-related stigma among migrant workers living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand

ABSTRACT

Currently migrant workers living with HIV (MWLHIV) in Thailand have access to antiretroviral treatment. We determined the frequency of depressive symptoms, HIV disclosure, and HIV-related stigma in this population. The cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 HIV clinics in community hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were collected from MWLHIV through face-to-face interviews. A 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and a Thai-validated HIV/AIDS stigma scales were used. A total of 316 MWLHIV participated; their median age was 39 years and 65% were female. Sixty (19%) had depressive symptoms, with higher frequency of depression in females (22.4% vs.12.6%, respectively; p = .033). The overall HIV disclosure rate was 69.9%. Females were more likely than males to disclose HIV status to someone outside the clinic (72.2% vs. 65.8%, respectively; p = .234). The most prevalent type of HIV-related stigma was internalized, followed by felt stigma. Enacted stigma had the lowest prevalence. Multiple linear regression revealed that being female (β = 0.125, p = .029), enacted stigma (β = 0.152, p = .011) and felt stigma (β = 0.248, p < .001) were significantly associated with depressive scores. To ensure favorable HIV treatment outcomes, individual counseling, psychosocial support, and mental health screening should be integrated into HIV services.

KEYWORDS:

• Depressive symptoms
• HIV disclosure
• HIV-related stigma
• migrant workers
• living with HIV
• Thailand

Acknowledgement

The authors thank all study participants for the time they devoted to joining in this study. The authors would like to also thank the hospitals and HIV clinic staff who helped with participant appointments, coordinating study activities, and routine services during the data collection period.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by Chiang Mai University, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.