The aim of this study was to assess the impact of mobile health (Mhealth) on the levels anxiety and depression of men living with HIV/AIDS who have sex with men (HSHHIV).
Methods:
It is a secondary study, part of an open clinical trial developed in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, at The Carlos Ribeiro Health Center, between August 2016 and November 2017, using a four months follow-up. The final sample included 103, 57 patients for the control group and 46 dor the intervention, all men with HIV/AIDS who have sex with men, ≥ 18 years old . The intervention was implemented through eight bidirectional telephone messages, sent via Whatsapp®, with a frequency of 15 days. A form was filled with sociodemographic and clinical questions, life habits, anxiety and depression scale and the individual lifestyle scale, during a interview. Participants were accessed twice, at the base line and after the four months follow-up. The main variables were the scores on the level of anxiety and depression.
Results:
The majority of subjects were <29 years old (53.4%), single (80.6%), had a family income ≤ two minimum wages (72.8%), active occupational status (63.1%) and schooling ≤ 12 years (61.2%). Those with less than three years of diagnosis (63.1%), with undetectable viral load (57.4%) and CD4 + T lymphocyte levels ≥ 350 (85.3%) prevailed. Most participantes presented inadequate health lifestyle (61.2%). Regarding the level of anxiety and depression, 43.7% of the participants were classified as anxious and 17.5% as anxious and depressed. All participantes who were depressed were also anxious. Anxiety and depression reduction were significantly associated to the time (p=0.001), but were not associated with the teletherapy intervention (p=0.658).
Conclusion:
Prevalence of mental disorders in HSHHIV is high and should be considered. There was a reduction in anxiety and depression scores for the participants of both groups with time, however, there was no statistically significant relationship between intervention and outcome.