A non-specialist depression care pathway for adolescents living with HIV and transitioning into adult care in Peru: a nested, proof of concept pilot study

• DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2021.16
• Publication Date: 2021-05-26T06:59:48Z
• Authors: Jerome T. Galea; Carmen Contreras; Milagros Wong; Karen Ramos; Valentina Vargas; Hugo Sánchez; Renato A. Errea; Leonid Lecca; Molly F. Franke
• Keywords: Depression; Patient Health Questionnaire; Collaborative Care

Abstract Background Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) are disproportionally impacted by depression, experiencing worse outcomes. Integrated depression and care may support antiretroviral adherence. This study pilot tested for proof of concept a basic pathway ALWH to inform integration services in Peru. Methods were screened the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants PHQ-9 scores ⩾10 or suicidal ideation (SI) eligible Psychological First Aid (PFA) delivered non-mental health specialists. re-assessments ⩾20 SI referred specialized services. Results Twenty-eight (11 female, 17 male) aged 15–21 years participated; n = 20 (71%) identified as heterosexual. Most (18/28) acquired at birth. Baseline 0–4, 3 (11%); 5–9, 9 (32%); 10–14, 10 (36%); 15–19, 4 (14%); 20–27, 2 (7%). Eleven participants (40%) reported SI. Among > 4, 92% (23/25) not severe. Of 21 (75%) PFA, (32%) accepted least one session, which (33%) linked care. Conclusions A simple operationalizing screening non-specialist emotional is first step toward integrated ALWH.