Mental Health status of People living with HIV/AIDS in Mumbai city

HIV/AIDS has emerged as a major health problem and has serious effect on physical & mental well-being. Mental health problems are of common occurrence, but people with HIV are more likely to experience a range of mental health issues. The most common feelings are acute emotional distress, depression, and anxiety, which can often accompany adverse life-events. The study was planned to look into the mental health status (primarily - anxiety and depression) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA's). Quantitative study was designed to explore the mental health status of PLWHA's in four administrative setups of Mumbai city. Twenty PLWHA's each from four organizations have been selected by using purposive sampling. Structured interview guidelines and four scales were used to collect information and measure the level of anxiety and depression among PLWHA's respectively. The study reveals that the administrative setup of an organization providing care and support to the PLWHA's has some effect on the anxiety and depression level of PLWHA's. Organization working with support group concept has shown better results in addressing the mental health issues of PLWHA's.