The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus categorized under the Lentivirus genus, is responsible for this illness. Over time, it targets and gradually depletes CD4 cells, a type of T-cells crucial for the immune system, thus compromising the body’s immunity. This gradual impairment leaves individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections, as noted by O’Brien et al. (2016), impacting their overall functional capacity and mental well-being.
As per the United Nations Programme on HIV & AIDS [UNAIDS] report of 2020, HIV remains a significant global public health challenge. In 2019, approximately 37.9 million people were living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, with 95.5% being adults and 4.5% children under 15 years. The report estimated 1.7 million new infections in 2018, predominantly affecting individuals aged 15 years and above. Africa bore the highest burden, with 25.7 million cases, accounting for about two-thirds of global new infections in 2018 (Velavan et al., 2021). Subsequent data from 2021 continued to highlight Africa’s high incidence of new infections, with about 1.5 million reported cases worldwide (UNAIDS, 2021). Moreover, UNAIDS (2022) reported over 2.5 million AIDS-related deaths and 1.5 million people living with HIV in Uganda.
In Uganda, mental health issues among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are prevalent yet often overlooked and untreated, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation by disrupting already inadequate mental health services (Hong et al., 2023). PLHIV commonly face psychological challenges, treatment side effects, and associated comorbidities (Althoff et al., 2016).
Advancements in AIDS treatments, particularly Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) like Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), have significantly enhanced patients’ quality of life and life expectancy by reducing hospitalizations and mortality rates (Bopp et al., 2003). However, these treatments also bring negative side effects such as fatigue, nausea, pain, anxiety, and reduced job capacity (Ibeneme et al., 2022). Addressing these side effects, preventing additional infections that could increase treatment complexity, and garnering public attention remain crucial (Uganda AIDS Commission, 2011).
HIV treatment necessitates regular hospital visits, especially during instability marked by low CD4 count (below 200 copies), high viral load, or opportunistic infections. In Uganda, the monthly cost of adult HIV care ranges from approximately 254,000/= to 524,000/=, and for children, it ranges from 190,000/= to 1,869,00= (Moreland et al., 2013). These costs may escalate based on treatment locations and the added expenses of traveling long distances for care, particularly for PLHIV seeking services in unfamiliar areas.
