Qualitative Exploration of Mental Health Challenges among HIV Positive Adolescents: A Case Study of Mansa General Hospital’s Mental Annex and ART Department, Luapula Province, Zambia.

Background According to World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.5 million adolescents aged 10 to 19 years were living with HIV worldwide in 2023 [109]. Among this population, the prevalence of mental health disorders is higher than in their HIV-negative peers. Objectives The objectives of this study were: To explore the mental health challenges faced by HIV positive adolescents at Mansa General Hospital, Luapula Province, Zambia. To assess the effects of stigma and depression on ART adherence among HIV positive adolescents at Mansa General Hospital, Luapula Province, Zambia. To determine the levels of social exclusion and substance abuse and their effects on ART adherence among HIV positive adolescents at Mansa General Hospital, Luapula Province, Zambia. To evaluate government policies on the mental health challenges among HIV positive adolescents at Mansa General Hospital, Luapula Province, Zambia. Method A cross sectional study employing qualitative study involving 394 HIV positive adolescents from Mansa General Hospital’s Mental Annex and ART Department was employed. Purposive and convenience sampling was used, data collection was done through interview guides and focus group discussions and analysis was done using framework analysis. Results HIV-positive adolescents at Mansa General Hospital experienced psychological and emotional challenges such as depression, feelings of isolation and loneliness, stigma, disclosure issues and substance abuse. Stigma, depression, social exclusion and substance abuse had an effect on ART adherence. Government implemented policies like integration of mental health services into primary healthcare services, youth indabas, technical working groups and youth friendly spaces for adolescents in the province. Conclusion Adolescents living with HIV at Mansa General Hospital, experienced mental health challenges in form of depression, isolation, loneliness, stigma, disclosure issues and substance abuse resulting in non-adherence to ART.