Research studies confirm that individuals with chronic illnesses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are at risk for developing multiple mental health conditions. In the Philippines, despite the alarming increase in HIV cases among young people, research investigating their mental health remains limited. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the mental health of Filipino youth living with HIV (YLHIV). A mixed-method approach was utilized, particularly the sequential explanatory research design. In the quantitative phase of the study, 50 Filipino YLHIV participated and 10 among them underwent the phenomenological interview format (qualitative phase). The results found that 72% of the participants had mild to severe depression and 44% reported thoughts of suicide. Further, three themes that characterized their mental health emerged from descriptive phenomenology, i.e., (a) disruptive thoughts, (b) depressive mood, and (c) deteriorative behavior. These findings may serve as a basis for government officials and other advocacy groups in developing mental health programs for YLHIV. Comprehensive and accessible mental health services for this population are highly recommended.

Authors:
Benny Soliman, Tarlac Agricultural University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Benny S. Soliman is currently an Associate Professor at Tarlac Agricultural University, Philippines under the department of Psychology. He is also the Director of the Office of Student Services and Development of the same University.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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