The National Centre in HIV Social Research (NCHSRNational Centre in HIV Social Research. Located at the University of NSW in Sydney, NCHSR conducts research which describes and analyses the social understandings, meanings and practices of peoples, institutions and communities in relation to HIV, Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases.) recently released a new report on a three year project which investigated depression among men attending high HIV caseload general practice clinics.
Key findings of the studyA clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about vaccines or new therapies or new ways of using known treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people. Trials are in four phases: Phase I tests a new drug or treatment in a small group; Phase II expands the study to a larger group of people; Phase III expands the study to an even larger group of people; and Phase IV takes place after the drug or treatment has been licensed and marketed. included that homosexually active men are at high risk of major depression, but that HIV status is not independently associated with major depression. While the relationship between HIV and depression is complex, socio economic hardship and isolation are more significant factors for depression in this group.
The project also found that GPs in high caseload clinics are good at detecting depression in gay men but their ability to provide ideal levels of clinicalPertaining to or founded on observation and treatment of participants, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science. support is compromised by a range of factors such as increasing responsibilities and time pressures in their workplace, and problematic levels of crystal meth use by their patients.
For more information, download a copy of the report from the NCHSR website (PDF) or contact the NCHSR on nchsr@unsw.edu.au, or 02 9385 6776.
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