The Psychosocial and Clinical Well-Being of Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS

Abstract

This study examined factors impacting the psychological well-being of women living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS and the impact of depression on clinical outcomes. Nearly two-thirds of participants in this cross-sectional study reported significant depressive symptoms. Compared with women living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS without depressive symptoms, those with depression reported significantly poorer health outcomes. Health care providers should regularly screen these women for and adequately treat depression, and must collaborate with mental health providers and pastoral care counselors to address the mental health needs of women living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS to optimize their human immunodeficiency virus-related outcomes.