Efeitos da auriculoterapia sobre ansiedade, depressão e estresse em pessoas vivendo com HIV: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract

Psychiatric conditions disproportionately affect people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to the general population. Auriculotherapy has shown potential in managing various health conditions, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, positioning it as a relevant complementary therapeutic approach. Although preliminary studies suggest promising outcomes, there remains a gap in the literature regarding randomized clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in PLHIV. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an auriculotherapy protocol in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress levels in PLHIV. A parallel, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted between 2020 and 2023 at a Specialized HIV/AIDS Care Service (SAE) in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Eligible participants were PLHIV aged 18 years or older, with a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score ≥35. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Both groups received two sessions per week for four weeks, totaling eight sessions of auriculotherapy using mustard seeds. The IG received stimulation at therapeutic auricular points (Shen Men, Sympathetic, Kidney, Neurasthenia, and Anxiety), while the CG received stimulation at nontherapeutic (sham) points (Foot, Knee, Hand, Elbow, and Shoulder). Primary outcomes were changes in mean scores on the STAI, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) before and after the intervention. The sample comprised 101 participants (52 in IG, 49 in CG), with a median age of 36 years; 72.3% were male, 77.2% identified as Black or Brown, 82.2% as cisgender, and 70.3% as non-heterosexual. The groups were homogeneous at baseline. The mean STAI score in the IG decreased from 105.5 (±19.9) to 85.5 (±18.3), whereas the CG showed a slight decrease from 102.8 (±21.6) to 101.5 (±19.3). Participants in the IG also had significantly lower perceived stress scores compared to the CG (p<0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in depression scores in either group (p=0.107). In conclusion, auriculotherapy was effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels in PLHIV. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-2jwy9xf. Funding: Ceará Foundation for the Support of Scientific and Technological Development (Process No. NP20-0171-00059.01.00/20) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Process No. 409290/2021-1).