Factors associated with the mental health of people living with HIV

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk and protective factors for the mental health of people living with HIV. A total of 237 participants were interviewed. Women predominated (51.5%), with an average age of 46.9 years, black and brown (67%), with low family income (65.4%) and low education level (62.8%). 72.6% of the interviewees were considered adherent to antiretroviral therapy and 33.3% presented emotional illness. The results showed that satisfaction with body image, social support, the resilience, the religiosity and the presence of morbidities had a positive impact on mental health, while the use of illicit drugs, being a woman and the stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the chances of emotional illness.