Mental Health And Psychological Well-Being Assessment Of People Living With Hiv/Aids In Cape Coast Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the mental health and psychological well-being of PLHIV who used HIV-related services at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital to guide the design of effective mental health-related treatments for PLHIV. Data from PLHIV who visited the ART clinic was gathered using a mixed-method approach that included a survey and in-depth interviews, utilising a questionnaire and interview guide. The data were analysed using descriptive summary measures, multivariable logistic regression, bivariate correlation, and theme analysis. The results showed that 28.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.4-33.3), 40.8% (95% CI 36.0-45.8), 10.6% (95% CI 7.9-14.1), 30.1% (95% CI 25.6-34.9), and 45.3% (95% CI 40.4-50.2) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) reported experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and poor self-esteem. Women reported notably higher levels of stress (12.6%; 95% CI 9.4-17.0), anxiety (44.0%; 95% CI 38.4-49.6), and depression (32.2%; 95% CI 11.1-26.4) compared to men, who had lower rates of depression (17.5%; 95% CI 11.1-26.4), anxiety (30.9%; 95% CI 22.5-40.7), and stress (4.1%; 95% CI 1.2-10.4). Additionally, PLHIV without a regular partner had a 0.63 times higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety compared to those with a regular partner (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-1.00; p = 0.049). PLHIV, with no formal education, had increased odds of experiencing both anxiety and stress by approximately 0.49 and 0.44. Further, qualitative analysis shows coping approaches, including health-related elements, spirituality and religion, support networks, and behavioural changes to optimise their condition. The findings point to the necessity of incorporating context-specific therapies to lessen the psychological burden brought on by HIV.