Stress level among young people living with HIV undergoing treatment: a descriptive-exploratory study

Abstract

Objective: to determine the stress level of young people living with HIV undergoing treatment. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative approach, conducted with young people living with HIV undergoing treatment in the Specialized Care Service of a reference hospital for infectious-contagious diseases. Data collection occurred from forms composed of sociodemographic questions and the following stress assessment instrument: the Stress Symptoms Inventory. Results: it was identified that most of the young people living with HIV suffer from stress, of the psychological type in the resistance phase. Discussion: the fact of living with the serology and the antiretroviral therapy can be a predictor for the manifestation of stress. Conclusion: it is recommended to implement actions that go beyond the physical harms in order to prevent mental illness in the course of HIV treatment.