Depression Treatment Interventions among African Americans Living with HIV: A Systematic Review

Undergraduates: Terri Long, Leslie Adams, Tamara Taggart, Lara Handle, Donaldson F. Conserve Allison Heather Gray; Matthew Louis Gilleskie

Faculty Advisor: Donaldson Conserve
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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Background:While African Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population, they constitute 44% of those newly infected and 43% of those living with HIV.Studies show a strong association between depression, medication non-adherence, risky sexual and substance use behaviors, and increased morbidity and mortality.

Objective:To systematically review treatment interventions aimed at improving depression and HIV+ related outcomes among African Americans.

Method:We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo to identify peer-reviewed studies from 2010-2016. The search terms included African Americans, HIV, and depression. Eligibility criteria will include: interventions designed to address depression among Blacks/African Americans living with HIV; publications that report depression treatment and health outcome effects; and published in English in a peer-reviewed journal.

Result:Our search yielded 404 articles. Two authors will independently screen the search output, select studies, and extract data, resolving discrepancies by consensus and discussion. Cochrane risk of bias tools will be used to assess study quality, and additional studies will be identified by searching references of systematic reviews and reports.

Discussion:Findings will provide guidance on the success of existing interventions and future research areas on depression among African Americans living with HIV.Given the associations between depression and poor HIV-related outcomes,more research is needed.