Relaxation, Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life in People Living With HIV: a Pilot Study

Relaxation, Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life, Immunological and Virological Status o in People Living With HIV: a Pilot Study

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic training (AT) are effective relaxation techniques to reduce depressive symptoms. However, no studies on their effectiveness have been conducted among people living with HIV and depressive symptoms. The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PMR and AT interventions among people living with HIV who have depressive symptoms. A secondary aim was to assess the potential effectiveness of these interventions on depressive symptoms and quality of life.

This study was a three-arm pilot randomized control trial with mixed methods. Participants were randomized to PMR, AT, or control group (CG), with four assessments (baseline, one-, three-, and six-month). The PMR and AT interventions consisted of six one-hour sessions of individual training over 12 weeks and home practice. Recruitment, attrition, and completion rates were calculated. Depressive symptoms and quality of life were assessed at all times. Participants' perceptions of the interventions were collected in semi-structured interviews.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• HIV diagnosis of at least two years
• Depressive symptoms between 5 and 14 in the PHQ-9 scale
• Untreated with antidepressants or psychotherapy
• Able to speak and understand French

Exclusion Criteria:

• Started antiretroviral treatment within the last 6 months
• Start or already receiving Interferon