Precursive depression among HIV infected AIDS caregivers over time

This study examines depression among HIV infected AIDS caregivers, documenting and explaining variation in health within a stress proliferation framework. Longitudinal data for 376 HIV- and HIV+ caregiving men who self-identify as gay are analyzed to establish how changes in depression are influenced by care-related stressors and by being a member of the gay, HIV-affected community. This research identifies the mechanisms by which the caregiver stress process unfolds distinctively among caregivers with AIDS-related health problems, in comparison to HIV- caregivers. Three waves of data are analyzed using longitudinal multiple regression models. Among HIV infected caregivers, mental health is affected by deteriorating health, perceptions of AIDS alienation/stigma, internalized homophobia, role overload, and financial worry. For both groups, depression is a function of social constriction and AIDS-related bereavement. The precursive nature of caregiving among these HIV infected men may magnify the stress of being in poor health, gay, and stigmatized. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.