The psychology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus: a systematic review of the affect that Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome has on the mental health of children and adolescents.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Background: Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) is frequently neglected, although
it is estimated that one in every five of them has a mental condition. Viruses like HIV is an
example of a potential warning sign that can lead to a child or adolescent developing mental
health problems. Method: This paper is a systematic review and narrative synthesis of
quantitative studies conducted on HIV/AIDS and mental health in children and adolescents
within the last decade (2012-2022). Databases such as Google Scholar, Ebscohost, Springer,
Sabinet, GALE Cengage, APA PsycNet, and SAGE Research techniques were searched and a
total of 16 empirical studies that examined the affect that a positive HIV diagnosis has on the
mental health of youth were considered. Study components were recorded in the form of a
matrix table which included: year of publication, authors, title of article, aims of the study,
sample, socio-ecological level of influence, key findings as well as identified interventions.
Conceptual content analysis was then applied as a method of studying and retrieving
meaningful information such as the frequency of key mental health themes and mental health
conditions pertaining to CAMH, that emerged in the primary literature, which was summarised
in the matrix table. Results: A total of 90 articles were retrieved via an online desktop search
and through rigorous screening based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, only
16 articles deemed eligible for inclusion and further analysis. Conclusion: An HIV positive
(HIV+) diagnosis can influence CAMH on an individual-level, family-level, community-level
and structural-level. In addition, CAMH can be affected by the cognitive, emotional, and/or
behavioural viewpoint. Furthermore, several interventions that were identified on the various
levels displayed on the socio-ecological model deem beneficial in enhancing the mental health
of HIV+ children and adolescents.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.