Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, combined with socioeconomic factors and hospitalization, may determine the incidence or worsening of psychiatric disorders in the nosocomial setting. This study analyzed anxiety and depression levels among patients hospitalized with HIV/AIDS.

Study conducted at a referral infectious diseases hospital with inpatients aged ≥ 18 years hospitalized for HIV/AIDS. Data collection lasted one year. Two validated instruments in Portuguese were applied: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS). Medical records were reviewed for sociodemographic and clinical data. Interviewers used the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) to assess functional capacity. Statistical analysis followed data collection.

A total of 103 patients were interviewed; 38.83% showed probable anxiety and/or depression. Among patients without a stable partnership (84/103), 39.25% presented probable anxiety and/or depression. CD4⁺ T-cell counts and HIV viral load were not associated with probable anxiety/depression. The social support scale indicated that 41.74% had low positive interaction in at least one domain.

There was a high prevalence of probable anxiety and depression compared with the general population. Patients without a stable partnership and those with low social support while hospitalized for HIV/AIDS showed a higher tendency toward probable anxiety/depression. These findings align with the literature showing that patients with risk factors are prone to developing anxiety/depressive symptoms. The study supported comprehensive care by referring patients with probable anxiety/depression to in-hospital psychiatry and psychology services.