Evaluation of a system designed to link people living with HIV/AIDS with mental health services at an AIDS-service organization

Mapping the effectiveness of integrating mental health in HIV programs: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Mental health and substance abuse issues are increasing among HIV-positive people, and it negatively impacts health outcomes like engagement, retention in HIV care, and adherence to ART. Thus, national ART programs must include mental health management. The scoping review sought to map evidence on the efficacy of combining HIV and mental health care.

METHODS

The Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework was used to map the existing research on integrating HIV and mental health services to identify knowledge gaps. Two independent reviewers screened articles for inclusion. Studies on HIV-mental health integration were considered. We searched numerous sources, extracted data, and summarized publications by integration model and patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine articles met the criteria for this scoping review. Twenty-three studies were from high-income countries, with only six from low and middle-income countries in Africa (Zimbabwe 1, Uganda 3, South Africa 1, and Tanzania 1). Most of the literature discussed single-facility integration although multi-facility and integrated care through a case manager was researched as well. There was a reduction in depression, alcohol use, increased social function, decreased self-reported stigma, decreased psychiatric symptoms, and improved mood in PLHIV who received cognitive behavioral therapy in settings implementing integrated care. When providing integrated mental health services to PLHIV, healthcare workers reported feeling more comfortable discussing mental illness. Personnel in the mental health field reported less stigma and increased PLHIV referrals for mental health services due to integrated HIV and mental health care.

CONCLUSION

According to the research, integrating mental health services into HIV care improves the diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mental disorders related to substance abuse in PLHIV.

Interventions and approaches to integrating HIV and mental health services: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The frequency in which HIV and AIDS and mental health problems co-exist, and the complex bi-directional relationship between them, highlights the need for effective care models combining services for HIV and mental health. Here, we present a systematic review that synthesizes the literature on interventions and approaches integrating these services.

METHODS

This review was part of a larger systematic review on integration of services for HIV and non-communicable diseases. Eligible studies included those that described or evaluated an intervention or approach aimed at integrating HIV and mental health care. We searched multiple databases from inception until October 2015, independently screened articles identified for inclusion, conducted data extraction, and assessed evaluative papers for risk of bias.

RESULTS

Forty-five articles were eligible for this review. We identified three models of integration at the meso and micro levels: single-facility integration, multi-facility integration, and integrated care coordinated by a non-physician case manager. Single-site integration enhances multidisciplinary coordination and reduces access barriers for patients. However, the practicality and cost-effectiveness of providing a full continuum of specialized care on-site for patients with complex needs is arguable. Integration based on a collaborative network of specialized agencies may serve those with multiple co-morbidities but fragmented and poorly coordinated care can pose barriers. Integrated care coordinated by a single case manager can enable continuity of care for patients but requires appropriate training and support for case managers. Involving patients as key actors in facilitating integration within their own treatment plan is a promising approach.

CONCLUSION

This review identified much diversity in integration models combining HIV and mental health services, which are shown to have potential in yielding positive patient and service delivery outcomes when implemented within appropriate contexts. Our review revealed a lack of research in low- and middle- income countries, and was limited to most studies being descriptive. Overall, studies that seek to evaluate and compare integration models in terms of long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness are needed, particularly at the health system level and in regions with high HIV and AIDS burden.

Distinct Coping Combinations are Associated with Depression and Support Service Utilization in Men who have Sex with Men Living with HIV

Stigma and stress may place HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIV+ MSM) at risk for depression. Additionally, HIV+ MSM might utilize multiple HIV-related services as a way to gain support for, and more effectively manage, HIV-related stressors. Although prior research has demonstrated that depression severity and utilizing support services are associated with functional or dysfunctional coping strategies, researchers have not investigated the impact of different coping combinations-specifically, the concurrent use of functional and dysfunctional strategies-in this population. Thus, we explored (1) how items on one measure of coping, the Brief COPE, capture HIV-related coping of HIV+ MSM using Principal Components Analysis, (2) how HIV+ MSM's coping groups into unique combinations, and (3) how these coping combinations relate to depression and the scope of HIV-related support service utilization. Our sample consisted of 170 HIV+ MSM engaged with medical care. Results indicated the use of both functional and dysfunctional coping strategies. Unique combinations of functional and dysfunctional strategies showed differential associations with depression and the extent of HIV-related support service utilization. Specifically, individuals who engaged in low levels of both functional and dysfunctional coping, compared to individuals who more frequently engaged in functional coping strategies, were significantly less likely to utilize a range of critical HIV-related services. Individuals who reported frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies, regardless of functional coping strategy use, reported higher levels of depression. Therefore, providers should continue to focus more closely on identifying functional coping strategies and reducing dysfunctional coping when working with HIV+ MSM.