Mental Health Burden Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Southern Vietnam: Prevalence and Novel Risk Factors for...

Anxiety and depression are prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), with significantly higher rates than in the general population. As HIV has become a manageable chronic condition through antiretroviral therapy (ART), understanding its mental health impact is essential. This study examines the prevalence and key factors associated with anxiety and depression among PLWHA at an ART clinic in South Vietnam's Thu Duc City Hospital.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 369 PLWHA being treated at the ART clinic at Thu Duc City Hospital from March to May 2024. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants, all age 18 and up, who were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire that included PHQ-9 and GAD-7.

Of the study's 369 participants, 82.4% were male, with most between ages 19 and 39 (71.8%). Anxiety prevalence was 29.3% (95% CI: 24.6-34.1), while depression was reported by 23.0% of participants (95% CI: 18.8-27.6). Significant factors associated with anxiety disorders included experiencing side effects during ART treatment (AOR = 5.92, 95% CI: 1.54-22.7, P = 0.01) and high levels of HIV stigma (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.45-4.33, P = 0.001). Depression was associated significantly with severe anxiety (AOR = 101.61, 95% CI: 11.67-884.28, P < 0.001) and moderate anxiety (AOR = 58.06, 95% CI: 22.27-151.40, P < 0.001).

This study highlights the critical need to address mental health challenges among PLWHA in South Vietnam, with an emphasis on the importance of reducing stigma, managing ART-related side effects and integrating mental health care into HIV treatment. The findings provide valuable insights for developing appropriate contextual interventions.