Vu Hoang Anh Nguyen

Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) often coexists with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), significantly affecting the quality of life. Depression in Parkinson's disease patients is frequently neglected due to an emphasis on motor symptoms, resulting in underdiagnosis. The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CS) demonstrates potential as a screening instrument for identifying depression in Parkinson's disease patients, while research on its use in Vietnam is scarce. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital from February to September 2022, 54 patients with Parkinson's disease were examined for major depressive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria and evaluated using the CS. Reliability was assessed by inter-rater reliability testing. The diagnostic performance was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve. Results: The CS exhibited significant reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91; ICC = 0.91) and diagnostic precision (AUROC = 0.968). An ideal cut-off score of 9 was determined, exhibiting a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 89.3%. The results indicated cut-off scores of 6 and 11 for excluding or diagnosing depression, respectively, affirming the CS as a versatile and efficient screening instrument for patients with Parkinson's disease. Discussion: This scale has demonstrated reliability across studies, although the optimal cut-off points may vary slightly. It is suitable for community screening, outpatient preliminary diagnosis, or descriptive epidemiological surveys-allowing clinicians to select the most appropriate threshold based on specific clinical needs. Conclusion: The CS is a dependable and valid screening tool for identifying depression in Vietnamese PD patients, enabling early detection and intervention.

Introduction: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)–based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is widely used to manage HIV due to its efficacy and affordability. However, its potential adverse effects on liver and renal functions remain significant concerns, particularly in resource‐limited settings such as Vietnam. Methods: Prospective cohort study included 552 HIV‐infected patients with normal baseline liver and renal functions, who received TDF‐based ART at Thu Duc City Hospital. Clinical and laboratory data, including AST, ALT, and serum creatinine levels, were collected and analyzed over a 20‐month follow‐up period. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to identify risk factors and time‐to‐onset of liver damage and renal impairment. Results: The overall incidence of liver damage was 10.7%, while renal impairment was higher at 19.4%. Male sex and pretreatment AST levels emerged as independent predictors of renal impairment during TDF‐based ART. In multivariate Cox models, male sex showed a strong association with both liver damage (HR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.10–4.34) and renal impairment (HR = 14.06, 95% CI: 5.39–36.65). Elevated baseline AST was independently associated with renal impairment (HR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.10, p = 0.029). Conclusion: TDF‐based ART is associated with notable risks of liver and renal dysfunctions, particularly among male patients. Strengthened routine monitoring and individualized clinical management may help reduce these toxicities.

Background: Anxiety and depression are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), with significantly higher rates than in the general population. As HIV has become a manageable chronic condition through antiretroviral therapy (ART), understanding its mental health impact is essential. This study examines the prevalence and key factors associated with anxiety and depression among PLWHA at an ART clinic in South Vietnam’s Thu Duc City Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 369 PLWHA being treated at the ART clinic at Thu Duc City Hospital from March to May 2024. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants, all age 18 and up, who were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire that included PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Results: Of the study’s 369 participants, 82.4% were male, with most between ages 19 and 39 (71.8%). Anxiety prevalence was 29.3% (95% CI: 24.6–34.1), while depression was reported by 23.0% of participants (95% CI: 18.8–27.6). Significant factors associated with anxiety disorders included experiencing side effects during ART treatment (AOR = 5.92, 95% CI: 1.54–22.7, P = 0.01) and high levels of HIV stigma (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.45–4.33, P = 0.001). Depression was associated significantly with severe anxiety (AOR = 101.61, 95% CI: 11.67–884.28, P < 0.001) and moderate anxiety (AOR = 58.06, 95% CI: 22.27–151.40, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the critical need to address mental health challenges among PLWHA in South Vietnam, with an emphasis on the importance of reducing stigma, managing ART-related side effects and integrating mental health care into HIV treatment. The findings provide valuable insights for developing appropriate contextual interventions.

Introduction This study explores the intersection of psychological distress, stigma, and social support among Vietnamese people living with HIV (PLWH), focusing on their impact on quality of life (QoL). While antiretroviral therapy (ART) enhances survival, stigma and mental health issues persist, undermining QoL. Addressing these gaps in Vietnam is critical for improving comprehensive HIV care. Methods A cross-sectional study was employed at Thu Duc City Hospital from March to May 2024, involving 369 PLWH receiving ART. Data collection utilized validated tools to assess anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), perceived social support (MSPSS), HIV stigma (HSS), and health-related QoL (PozQoL). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine interrelationships among these factors. Results The distribution of moderate or severe anxiety and depression was 6.8% and 2.1%, respectively. SEM analysis revealed that anxiety and depression significantly increased perceived stigma, while social support reduced it. Stigma negatively impacted QoL. Social support showed complex effects on QoL, depending on contextual factors. Viral load and weight also moderated stigma’s impact on QoL. Discussion The findings underscore the bidirectional relationship between mental health and stigma, emphasizing the need for integrated mental health services within HIV care. Social support can mitigate stigma but requires careful contextual tailoring to avoid unintended negative consequences. Conclusion Enhancing QoL in PLWH necessitates addressing mental health, stigma, and social support. Integrating psychological care and stigma-reduction strategies into ART programs is vital. Future research should explore longitudinal dynamics and refine social interventions to maximize their benefits.

BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionized HIV prevention worldwide. However, research has shown a contradictory trend in which PrEP helps reduce HIV incidence, but increases sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in high-risk groups like men who have sex with men and female sex workers. This study aimed to examine the association between sex, age, occupational status, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with syphilis infection among PrEP users. METHODS The cross-sectional survey was conducted over 1 year, with 864 participants in Thu Duc City Hospital, Vietnam. The chi-square test was utilized for descriptive analysis. Binary logistic regression models estimated the association between sex, age, occupational status, HBV infection, and HCV infection with syphilis infection. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Of 864 participants, 147 (18.2%) men and 68 (23.7%) employed individuals were tested positive for syphilis. The findings indicated that men (OR = 13.805; 95% CI = 1.886−101.024), employed individuals (OR = 1.838; 95% CI = 1.191−2.834), and HBV infection (OR = 2.076; 95% CI = 1.108−3.891) were significantly associated with an increased risk of syphilis infection. CONCLUSIONS Men, employed individuals, and individuals infected with HBV face a higher risk of syphilis infection among PrEP users.

This study focuses on filial piety, a fundamental psychological factor in Vietnam and its relationship with religiosity and attitudes toward abortion. Drawing on data from 656 participants, the research employed the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method and identified significant differences in intrinsic religiosity (IR) based on various forms of cohabitation with parents. Furthermore, the findings revealed a positive association between age and religiosity. Higher levels of IR were linked to more conservative attitudes toward abortion (AAS), whereas greater premarital sexual permissiveness (PSP) was associated with more pro-choice views. Filial piety played a mediating role in the relationship between IR and AAS. These insights offer a deeper understanding of how religiosity and filial piety influence abortion attitudes among individuals in Vietnam.

Adolescents experience numerous changes, both psychologically and physically, and they are also the age group with a high prevalence of mental problems that need counseling help. The study aims to assess the difficulties and the needs for psychological support, factors affecting the need to use psychological services among adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 672 high school students in Thu Duc City, Vietnam. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between grades 10–12 in student’s difficulties (DS) and a statistically significant difference in needs for psychological services (NPS, RPS). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in academic performance for DS. The findings also implied that RPS was predicted by a DS, NPS, and factors affecting the need to use psychological services (FA), in which NPS and DS were mediators in the relationship between FA and RPS. The study significantly contributes to research practices and the theoretical framework that the parliament and the government use to make counselors mandatory in schools. Meanwhile, the study suggested that school counselors, educators, and teachers must appropriately evaluate students' counseling needs and psychological difficulties; this is essential to providing support and interventions when students deal with challenges promptly.

Introduction: HIV/AIDS has negative effects on the patient's mental health and social interaction, in addition to its negative effects on their physical health. Depression disorder is considered the second mental disorder in the world among patients with HIV/AIDS affects their life and causes social stigma. In Vietnam, various studies on HIV patients and depression disorders were examined. However, there are also many limitations in research with many aspects relate to the mental health quality in HIV patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between depression, smoking cigarettes, exercise habits and age in ARV - HIV patients. Methods: A qualitative approach was utilised to conduct the randomised investigation. The PHQ - 9 scale was used for evaluating depression in 128 Vietnamese ARV - HIV patients participating in the study. Results: According to the findings, depression and exercise have been shown to have a positive effect on smoking among HIV patients, and geriatric HIV patients are significantly less likely to smoke. Conclusion: HIV-positive individuals require an accurate identification and assessment of depressive symptoms, with the potential implementation of personalized exercise intensity programs aimed at assisting HIV patients in ceasing tobacco use. In addition, the study recommended exercise planning and patient adherence surveillance as means for assessing and modifying the treatment of HIV patients.