Social determinants of mental health outcomes among refugee adolescents and youth living with HIV in refugee settlements in Uganda: a cross-sectional analysis
An article in AIDS and Behavior, published June 16, 2025.
Authors: Nhial T. Tutlam, Samuel Kizito, Proscovia Nabunya, Mitra Naseh, Imelda Nabbosa, Isaac Kwesiga, Phionah Namatovu, Ozge Sensoy Bahar, Noeline Nakasujja, Fred M. Ssewamala
Social determinants of mental health among refugee youth living with HIV at different levels of the biopsychosocial (BPS) model. (Adapted from Sampogna et al., 2024). From referenced article.
This study looked at how different social factors affect the mental health of refugee adolescents and young adults who are living with HIV in Uganda. The researchers gathered data from young people aged 13 to 30 in three refugee settlements over six months in 2023, using information from health centers.
Researchers found that certain social conditions greatly influence mental health outcomes like depression, hopelessness, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Specifically, it highlighted:
HIV-related stigma and PTSD were linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms.
Unemployment, HIV-related stigma, and PTSD were connected to feelings of hopelessness.
On the positive side, good physical health and being enrolled in school were associated with lower PTSD symptoms.
The findings show that issues such as stigma around HIV, being an orphan, poor physical health, and poverty (like unemployment) are important in predicting mental health problems. This suggests that more comprehensive approaches that address these various social factors are needed to improve the mental health of these young people.