The relationship between HIV infection and depression and their determinants in the MSM population in Eastern China: an analysis based on decision tree modelling and logistic regression.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the depression status of the MSM population, explore the depression characteristics associated with different HIV statuses within this group, and determine the key factors influencing depression in this population.

STUDY

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional web-based survey.

METHODS

This study was conducted through a web-based comprehensive HIV service platform for the MSM population. The questionnaire included basic socio-demographic information of the respondents, HIV-related information and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). A decision tree model combined with logistic regression was used to assess the factors influencing depression in the MSM population.

RESULTS

Among the 1070 MSM in this study, the depression prevalence was 28.9%, the overall HIV prevalence among MSM was 3.4%, the depression prevalence among HIV-positive MSM was 44.4%, and that among HIV-negative MSM was 26.3%. Decision tree modelling combined with logistic regression analysis showed that marital status, age and employment status were the factors significantly influencing depression in the MSM population.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of depression is high in the MSM population. Marital status, age and employment status are influential factors for depression in the MSM population. Decision tree modelling combined with logistic regression could be considered as an assessment tool for the relationship between HIV infection and depression and their correlates in the MSM population.