Community-based HIV/AIDS interventions to promote psychosocial well-being among people living with HIV/AIDS: a literature review

Abstract

Background: This review explores the current community-based psychosocial interventions among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) across the globe. Methods: Evaluation studies were retrieved and reviewed regarding study location, characteristics of participants, study design, intervention strategies, outcome indicators, and intervention findings. Results: The 28 studies spanned a broad range of intervention strategies, including coping skills, treatment and cure, cultural activities, community involvement, knowledge education, voluntary counseling and testing, peer-group support, three-layered service provision, child-directed group intervention, adult mentoring, and support group interventions. Regardless of study designs, all studies reported positive intervention effects, ranging from a reduction in HIV/AIDS stigma, loneliness, marginalization, distress, depression, anger, and anxiety to an increase in self-esteem, self-efficacy, coping skills, and quality of life. Conclusion: Although the existing studies have limitation with regard to program coverage, intensity, scope, and methodological challenges, they underscore the importance of developing community-based interventions to promote psychosocial well-being among PLWHA. Future studies need to employ more rigorous methodology and integrate contextual and institutional factors when implementing effective interventions.

Substance Use and Psychosocial Status among People Living with HIV/AIDS Who Encountered HIV Stigma in China: Stratified Analyses by Socio-Economic Status

“…In addition to PLWHA’s prognosis, studies have highlighted the importance of addressing PLWHA’s psychosocial needs and behaviors of substance use, as those with psychosocial comorbidities and problems of substance use are at a higher risk of sexual disinhibition, not adhering to ART, having lower quality of life and encountering other health problems, which might negatively influence the social and individual well-beings [14,15]. In addition to their psychosocial distress, stigmatized experience is commonly encountered in the life context of PLWHA [16,17].…”

“…In a continuous social process and complex social interactions including labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss, and discrimination, the possessor of the socially devalued marks has been stigmatized [18,19]. Following a similar process, HIV stigma against PLWHA has been developed and maintained within different social and cultural contexts [15,20,21]. Scholars have revealed a continuum of devastating consequences (physical, emotional and financial burdens) of HIV stigma against PLWHA in China and other settings [16,17,22–24].…”

Achieving pregnancy safely for HIV‐serodiscordant couples: a social ecological approach

“…Community-based interventions aimed at sensitising partners, families and neighbours on conception and childbearing for women and men living with HIV could decrease stigma, promote equality and inclusion, and build broad societal norms and structures in support of the realization of the reproductive goals and rights of serodiscordant couples [30,31]. Furthermore, interventions within the health system to enable the achievement of safe pregnancies include providing adequate training to healthcare providers and integrating SRHR and HIV services.…”

HIV/AIDS Risk for Young Female Petty Traders at Car Parks

“…Niu L, et al [68], confi rmed that people living with HIV are vulnerable to mental health problems, and there is substantial need for mental health services among this population. Wux L, et al [69], support/intervention effects, range from a reduction in HIV/AIDS stigma, loneliness, marginalization, distress, depression, anger, and anxiety to an increase in self-esteem, self-effi cacy, coping skills, and quality of life.…”