Strengthening Psychosocial Support and Adherence by Integrating Mental Health Assessment With an Aim of Improving Viral Suppression in PLWHIV Thika Level V Hospital

Abstract

HIV, harmful substance use and mental health problems, world over are health concerns and co-morbidity matters. A comprehensive care support structure is critical to progress health sequels for people living with HIV (PLHIV). The need for preliminary screening for mental health and substance use referral; counselling services, cannot be emphasised enough. While continuation of care, treatment adherence, and retention to HIV care for PLHIV will improve the quality of life in people living with HIV (Gutmann and Fullem 2009). These services are currently limited in Kenya. According to World Health Organization (WHO) report, HIV positive cases are greater in people living with mental illnesses than those without mental health issues. It is unfortunate that mental health problems contribute substantially in the spread of HIV; adherence to antiretroviral therapy as well as willingness to test. The Integration of mental health and HIV program has imminence to improve health results for PLHIV. By the end of the project, health care workers will be able define signs related to various mental health issues, and their influence on HIV/AIDS outcomes. Psychosocial support is critical in decreasing psychological distress, better treatment adherence and results (Reece et al. 2007). This project encourages and plans for strong linkages to improve care and identify clear referrals to address mental health needs as well as improve patient retention for those living with HIV attending Thika Level 5 hospital CCC. The training used validated mental health and substance use screening tools such as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)-9, (WHO, 2008), appropriate for screening depression, it measures the intensity, severity and depth of depression, while CAGE-AID, adopted to include drugs, is used to measure hazardous and dependent use of alcohol use disorders and drugs as well. The tools were appropriate given that they contain fewer items and do not require trained administrators. The findings indicated that integrating mental health screening tools into HIV services enhanced patient-provider relationship. The training provided the participants with better understanding and identification of mental health problems. This Increased use of referral procedures and protocols.