NEW research findings indicate that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are greatly affected by poor mental health, particularly anxiety, compared to other groups.

Dr. Frank Kiwango, a specialist in mental health and illness at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) made this observation at the weekend, outlining findings of a study conducted last year by KCMC in collaboration with the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).

Results of the study involving 593 participants, including 164 men, were highlighted at an online forum organised by the Tanzania Mental Health Stakeholders Community of Practice (TMH-CoP), hosted by administrators at the Muhimbili National Hospital at the weekend.

“There are serious repercussions for those suffering from this illness, as they may lose hope and fail to adhere to their antiretroviral (ARV) medications. This can lead to increased anxiety and a further decline in their health, making life particularly challenging,” he stated.

The study, conducted from September to October 2023, found that among the 593 PLWHA surveyed, 74 individuals, or 12 percent, exhibited intense symptoms of anxiety.

The number underscores the need for public education on mental health issues related to living with HIV, he explained.

“People with HIV are at heightened risk of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Our research confirms that they are more vulnerable than those without chronic illnesses,” he elaborated.

The study was located in the Moshi Urban District, Kilimanjaro Region, at four comprehensive treatment centers (CTCs) providing HIV services, including KCMC and the Mawenzi regional hospital.

In response to the findings, initiatives to provide education through health programmes were drawn up, including media outreach and conferences, he said.

“There is a pressing need for the community to support this group, prevent further deterioration of their mental health and establish sustainable monitoring plans to ensure timely access to appropriate services,” he emphasized.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that approximately 36m adults worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS in 2021, two-thirds of them in Africa, where Tanzania is home to about 1.6m PLWHA by WHO data for 2022, he added.