Citation

Mandell LN, Parrish MS, Rodriguez VJ, Alcaide ML, Weiss SM, Peltzer K, Jones DL. AIDS Behav. 2022; 26(4): 1289-1298.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10461-021-03486-4

PMID

34651247

PMCID

PMC9356606

Abstract

Although prior research has examined associations between blood pressure (BP), depression, and suicidal ideation, few studies have examined this in high-risk populations such as pregnant women with HIV (WHIV). The current study examined the association of BP with depression and suicidal ideation among pregnant WHIV (n = 217) in rural South Africa. BP data (measured ≤ 1 month before the study visit) was extracted from medical records. Depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Diastolic BP was positively associated with both suicidal ideation and depressive symptomatology, even after controlling for demographic variables, gestational age, and intimate partner violence. These findings suggest that WHIV with elevated BP may be at greater risk for antenatal depression and suicidal ideation. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs to examine potential mechanisms and the directionality of the relationship, as well as other contributing factors.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Female; Depression; Pregnancy; Suicidal Ideation; Suicidal ideation; HIV; Pregnant Women; HIV Infections; Blood Pressure; Blood pressure