Exploring the Impact of Social Support on the Mental Health of Individuals Living with HIV in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
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Date
2024-12
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Lead City University, Ibadan
Abstract
PLWHA are known to be socially isolated and also face discrimination as a result of their illness. Poor social support can lead to depression and is known to worsen depression and other physical illnesses in PLWHA. This systematic review investigates the intricate relationship between social support, HIV/AIDS, and mental health outcomes among individuals affected by HIV. The study synthesizes findings from diverse research sources to underscore the pivotal role of social support structures in shaping mental health resilience among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It highlights the mediating influence of HIV-related stigma on mental health challenges, emphasizing how stigma intensifies social isolation and discrimination, exacerbating mental health issues. The review also emphasizes the intersectionality of vulnerabilities, elucidating how the convergence of mental illness, HIV/AIDS status, and socio- economic factors compounds the mental health burden faced by PLWHA. The study's recommendations propose targeted interventions, integrated healthcare approaches, and de- stigmatization efforts as crucial avenues to mitigate mental health disparities among this population. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding social support, HIV/AIDS, and mental health, providing valuable guidance for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers.
Keywords: Social Support, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, Stigma, Nigeria
Word Count: 185 words
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Keywords
Social Support, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, Stigma, Nigeria
Citation
Kate Turabia