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The missing link: exploring the intersection of gender, capabilities, and depressive symptoms in the context of chronic HIV

ABSTRACT Depressive symptoms occur frequently among people living with HIV, especially women. These symptoms are associated with human, social, financial, and physical/natural capabilities and life stressors that differ between women and men. However, the link between depressive symptoms and functional limitations/disability is seldom discussed in the context of HIV, especially for gender-specific relationships. A cross-sectional survey of 1042 people living with HIV and using long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa was conducted from June to August 2014 to investigate the associations of disability, human, social, physical/natural, and financial capabilities, health, and adherence to ART, including possible gender-specific factors. Socio-demographic information, capabilities, health indicators, functional limitations/disability, and depressive symptoms (CES-D 10) were measured. We applied descriptive and bivariate statistics and multiple regression. Overall, 26% of people presented with depressive symptoms. Greater functional limitations and health symptoms and lower food security were strongly associated with depressive symptoms, while associations with financial capital and body mass index were gender-specific. The results call for the improvement of comprehensive care, including gender-sensitive mental health interventions. The results further indicate that functional limitations/disability needs to be considered, along with linking rehabilitation and livelihood programs with comprehensive HIV-care, in particular for those who experience depressive symptoms.