Stress Management, Depression, and Immune Status in Lower‐Income Racial/Ethnic Minority Women Co‐infected with HIV and HPV

The stress of co‐infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), in race/ethnic minority women, may increase depression and immune decrements. Compromised immunity in HIV+ HPV+ women may increase the odds of cervical dysplasia. Thus, we tested the efficacy of a 10‐week cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) group intervention and hypothesized that CBSM would decrease depression and improve immune status (CD4+ T‐cells, natural killer [NK] cells). HIV+ HPV+ women (n = 71) completed the Beck Depression Inventory and provided blood samples, were randomized to CBSM or a control condition, and were re‐assessed post‐intervention. Women in CBSM revealed less depression, greater NK cells, and marginally greater CD4+ T‐cells post‐intervention vs. controls. Stress management may improve mood and immunity in HIV+ HPV+ lower‐income minority women.

Source: Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research - March 8, 2013 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Corina R. Lopez, Michael H. Antoni, Julia Seay, Jonelle Potter, MaryJo O'Sullivan, Mary Ann Fletcher, Deirdre Pereira, Nicole Whitehead Tags: Original Article Source Type: research