Longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms in children are influenced by baseline inflammation and HIV status

Mental health outcomes are substantially poorer among people with HIV than the general population. In a sample of 862 children and 439 adult caregivers in Kampala, Uganda, we investigated whether the trajectories of depressive symptoms over 24 months may be influenced by participants’ HIV status and baseline inflammation (indexed via high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, CRP). At higher baseline CRP concentrations, children with HIV showed lower baseline depressive symptoms relative to children without HIV. Over time, depressive symptoms increased in children with HIV but decreased in children without HIV. No differences in trajectories were observed in adults. Our results suggest that given high baseline inflammation, recovery from depressive symptoms may be significantly slower among children living with HIV compared to those without HIV. Specific interventions to reduce inflammation may need to be combined with more regular, holistic, and personalised interventions to alleviate depressive symptoms among children with HIV.