Examining dynamic patterns of change: Using time-varying equation modeling for associations of depression and alcohol use throughout adulthood among a cohort of people with HIV

Understanding the potential for dynamic changes in the interrelationship between depression and alcohol throughout the lifespan will ultimately inform HIV prevention and treatment efforts. We investigated associations between depressive symptoms and heavy episodic drinking (HED) and the extent the relationship differed across ages among PWH receiving HIV care in Cameroon. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 18-60-year-old PWH on antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon from January 2016 to March 2020. Age-varying effect modeling was conducted to assess associations between depressive symptoms and HED across ages and by gender.

Alcohol use

Global health

Heavy episodic drinking

Mental health