A web-based intervention trial for depressive symptoms and subjective well-being in patients with chronic HIV infection

The current study examined the efficacy of a web-based intervention (WBI; Avanti) on symptoms of depression and well-being for patients diagnosed with HIV. A two-armed randomized trial recruited patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at an outpatient clinic. Thirty-six patients were allocated to Avanti and 31 patients to a control group. Primary outcomes were symptoms of depression and subjective well-being (SWB), and secondary outcomes included life satisfaction and affect balance. Paired tests showed that only patients following Avanti had significant improvements in SWB by 3 months as well as affect balance. No significant differences between groups were detected in any of the outcome parameters at baseline after 3 months, as expected from group size and variability in the parameters. However, time since HIV diagnosis and ART initiation moderated the effects of Avanti. In conclusion, our data show that patients with HIV infection may benefit from a WBI in adjunct to medical treatment.