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.
