AUTHOR=Nwogwugwu Charlotte , Favor Chinedum , Fu Yunting , Iheanacho Theddeus 

TITLE=Interventions Integrating Mental Health Services Into HIV Care in Africa; a Scoping Review

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 70 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2025.1608137

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2025.1608137

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=ObjectivesThis scoping review aims to synthesize existing evidence on mental health (MH) interventions for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Africa. Given the high prevalence of MH disorders in this population and barriers to care, integrating MH services within HIV care settings is explored as a potential strategy to improve patient outcomes.MethodsFollowing PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across five databases to identify studies examining MH interventions for PLWHA in African settings. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed for intervention type, target population, and reported outcomes.ResultsOf 818 studies identified, 16 from six African countries met inclusion criteria, with Zimbabwe and South Africa leading in interventions. Most targeted depression, employing non-pharmacological approaches such as task-sharing and stepped-care models. Findings suggest integrated MH and HIV care improves MH symptoms and adherence to antiretroviral therapy.ConclusionDespite limited studies, evidence supports the feasibility and benefits of integrating MH services into HIV care in Africa. Scaling evidence-based interventions is essential to address unmet MH needs in this population.