Changes in condom use during the first year of HIV treatment in Uganda and the relationship to depression.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We examined the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the predictive role of depression, on condom use with primary partners. METHODS: Data from three studies in Uganda were combined into a sample of 750 patients with a primary sex partner, with 502 starting ART and 248 entering HIV care, and followed for 12 months. Random-effects logistic regression models were used to examine the impact of ART, and the influence of baseline level and change in depression, on condom use with primary partners. RESULTS: At month 12, 61 % ART and 67 % non-ART patients were consistent condom users, compared to 44 and 41 % at baseline, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that consistent condom use increased similarly for ART and non-ART patients, and that minor depression at baseline and increased depression over time predicted inconsistent condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Improved depression diagnosis and treatment could benefit HIV prevention.