Mental Health Problems Affecting People Who Have HIV and AIDS in Malawi: A Review

Abstract

Malawi is located in the southern part of Africa with a population of more than 16 million people. The country is ravaged with HIV and AIDS epidemic of which the prevalence rate is at 14%. The people who have HIV/AIDS are also affected by mental and psychological disorders. Nevertheless, very little is known about mental health care of people who have HIV and AIDS in Malawi. We did literature search using AJOL, Proquest, PsychINFO, Google Scholar and HINARI search engines and the search yielded scanty (12) research studies on the mental health of people with HIV and AIDS that were conducted in Malawi between 2006-2014. Twelve (12) studies that were reviewed focused on prevalence of mental disorders among people who have HIV and AIDS; nurses' knowledge and skills for providing mental health care to people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA); perceived risk of HIV infection among people who have mental health problems; substance abuse and HIV/AIDS issues and awareness of interaction between HIV/AIDS and Mental health. In conclusion, the review shows that people with HIV infection are also affected by mental health problems such as depression and substance abuse. They receive some mental health care in general settings at ART clinics because mental health care is integrated into general health care delivery system. Therefore, it is necessary that health professionals who are generalists should be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills for providing mental health care to care to people with HIV and AIDS.

Prevalence and factors associated with emotional and behavioural difficulties among children living with HIV in Malawi: a cross-sectional study

“…While children living with HIV in Malawi are at high risk of developing mental health problems, they are unlikely to receive appropriate support from health professionals because of the chronic shortage of material and human resources [41–43]. In Malawi, mental health services are integrated within the general healthcare system with people requiring admission being referred to one of only two tertiary psychiatric hospitals [44–46]. There are few healthcare professionals who specialise in mental health.…”

The Interest in Betting, Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs in Malawi: Changing Trends between 2012-2022

“…A study conducted by Kuyokwa et al indicated that psychoactive drug use among university students in Malawi negatively impacts academic performance 53 . Furthermore, substance addiction has been found to be more prevalent among individuals living with HIV/AIDS 54 . Bullying among students in a school in Malawi has been associated with substance use 55 .…”