JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

People living with HIV and depression (PLWHD) have high rates of suicide. Studies of mHealth interventions have shown feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving mental health in PLWHD. However, few studies have examined the effects and mechanisms of mHealth interventions on suicide.

Objective:

This study was designed to examine the effects and mechanisms of a WeChat-based intervention, Run4Love, on suicide among PLWHD in China, while considering perceived stress and depressive symptoms as mediators.

Methods:

A sample of 300 PLWHD were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a large HIV/AIDS treatment hospital and were randomized to Run4Love group or control group. Data were collected at baseline, 3-, 6- and 9-month follow-ups. Path analysis modeling with longitudinal data was used in data analyses.

Results:

The Run4Love mHealth intervention had a direct effect on reducing suicide at 6-month follow-up (β = - .18, P = .02) and indirect effect through reducing perceived stress and depressive symptoms at 3-month follow-up (β = - .09, P = .001). A partial mediating effect between perceived stress and depressive symptoms accounted for 33% of the total effect.

Conclusions:

Through path analyses, we understood the mechanisms and effects of an mHealth intervention on suicide prevention. The findings underscored the importance of stress reduction and depression treatment in such a program. We call for more effective suicide prevention, especially mHealth interventions targeting the vulnerable population of PLWHD. Clinical Trial: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry - ChiCTR-IPR-17012606; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21019 (Archived by WebCite at: https://www.webcitation.org/78Bw2vouF)