Factors Associated With Mental Health Literacy in HIV Care: Evidence From a Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study to...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• HIV/AIDS Studies

Background:

• Individuals living with HIV face elevated risks for mental health disorders.
• There is a significant gap in meeting the mental health needs of this population.
• Mental health literacy is crucial for bridging this gap and improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess mental health literacy levels among people living with HIV in Vietnam.
• To identify factors associated with mental health literacy in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 900 people living with HIV in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Face-to-face interviews using questionnaires including the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS).
• Statistical analyses included correlation and multivariate linear regression to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• The mean MHLS score indicated a moderate level of mental health literacy.
• Lower mental health literacy was associated with older age, female gender, lower education, and lack of prior mental illness experience.
• Factors such as limited internet use for health information, lower help-seeking behavior, and higher stigma were also linked to lower literacy.

Conclusions:

• Mental health literacy in people living with HIV in Vietnam is comparable to similar populations, suggesting moderate awareness.
• Targeted interventions are needed to address stigma, improve digital access, and enhance mental health education.
• Specific focus should be placed on older adults, women, and individuals with limited mental health information exposure to improve literacy and outcomes.