Psychological distress among Ugandan adolescents living with HIV: Examining stressors and the buffering role of general and religious coping strategies

ABSTRACT

HIV infection increases the risk of psychological distress among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), which, in turn, increases risky behaviours such as medication non-adherence, substance use, and sexual risk-taking. The majority of studies on psychological distress among ALHIV have been conducted in high-income countries; data on the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among ALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce, yet over two-thirds of the global population of ALHIV resides in SSA. The purpose of this study was to identify the contextually relevant correlates of psychological distress among Ugandan ALHIV. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, we explored the risk and protective factors for psychological distress in cross-sectional sample of 464 ALHIV (aged 12–19; 53% female) at a large HIV treatment centre in Kampala, Uganda. The stressors associated with psychological distress included daily hassles, major negative life events, HIV-related quality of life, and stigma. Protective factors included psychosocial resources such as religious coping, satisfaction with social support, and general coping style and behaviours. Social support and optimism were significantly associated with psychological distress. Findings underscore the need for mental health services for ALHIV in Uganda and other resource-limited settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Youth
• mental health
• Africa
• AIDS

Acknowledgements

We are especially grateful for the management, staff, and clients at the Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) Pediatric Clinic for their willingness to share their time and insights.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Massy Mutumba http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0636-891X

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grants from various institutions at the University of Michigan: MCubed Program, the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, African Studies Center, Department of Afro-American and African Studies, and the Center for Education of Women at the University of Michigan.