Optimizing Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screening in Young Adults Perinatally Affected by HIV: A Psychometric Analysis

Background Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prevalent among people with HIV and is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the suitability of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7) screening tool and its 2-item (GAD-2) version for use in young adults with perinatally-acquired HIV (YAPHIV) and young adults perinatally exposed to HIV but uninfected (YAPHEU). Methods Data come from the 7th follow-up interview (FU7) from a longitudinal study of youth with PHIV and PHEU, first recruited when 9-16 years. The GAD-7 was administered along with a diagnostic psychiatric interview (DISC-IV). Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis assessed accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the GAD7 and GAD-2. Subgroup analyses considered HIV status, ethnicity, and race. Results At FU7, participants (n=204) were ages 20-29; 54% female; and the majority African-American and/or Latinx. 12% met diagnostic criteria for GAD. Recommended GAD-7 (>10) and GAD-2 (>3) cut-scores showed suboptimal sensitivity (0.52 and 0.48, respectively) and high specificity (0.91 and 0.90, respectively). Lowering cut-scores (GAD-7 >6 and GAD-2 >2) improved sensitivity (0.76 and 0.80) while sacrificing specificity (0.77 and 0.78). Stratified analyses by HIV status revealed similar accuracy in YAPHIV and YAPHEU. Race/ethnicity did not significantly affect cut-scores. Discussion Anxiety disorders are common in YAPHIV, and efficient screening is essential. While the GAD-7 and GAD-2 show promise, recommended cut-scores may not be optimal. Lowering cut-scores may enhance sensitivity without losing clinical utility. Further research is needed to refine cut-scores based on demographic characteristics and in global contexts, ensuring effective anxiety screening in this population.