PSYCHOLOGICAL BURDENS AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: While advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have

transformed HIV/AIDS from a fatal disease into a manageable condition,

people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) continue to face significant psy-

chological burdens. These include stigma, depression, anxiety, and diffi-

culties in treatment adherence, all of which severely compromise quality

of life.

Objective: This study aims to systematically review recent liter-

ature to explore the psychological burdens associated with HIV/AIDS,

identify the psychosocial factors affecting mental health, and evaluate the

effectiveness of psychological interventions designed to support PLWH.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2015 and 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies addressing psychological outcomes among PLWH. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis and grouped into key categories.

Results: The findings highlight three major themes: (1) the non-

linear psychological adjustment process of PLWH, which often involves

phases of denial, anxiety, depression, and eventual acceptance; (2) the

pervasive influence of stigma—particularly internalized stigma—on men-

tal health and treatment outcomes; and (3) the demonstrated effective-

ness of multi-level psychological interventions, including Cognitive Be-

havioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), and

resilience-focused approaches, in improving mental health and adherence

to ART.

Conclusions: Addressing the psychological burden of HIV/AIDS

requires an integrated and culturally sensitive approach that includes

routine mental health screening, stage-specific psychological care, stigma

reduction strategies, and family and community support. Future research

should prioritize longitudinal, technology-driven, and cross-cultural stud-

ies to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of psychosocial interven-

tions.