Common mental health problems experienced by adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.

Authors

Celumusa Ndlangamandla, Musa Mamba

Published in

PLOS global public health. Volume 6. Issue 10. Pages e0006832. Epub Oct 23, 2026.

Abstract

Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) carry a substantial burden of mental health problems, yet summary data remain limited. Previous reviews, particularly systematic reviews, have focused mainly on diagnosed disorders among adults or broader populations of young people living with HIV, while substance use and emotional and behavioural symptoms remain understudied and often underreported. This scoping review synthesized existing evidence on common mental health problems among ALWH aged 10-19 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Open Access for Africa) and Google Scholar, and screened the bibliographic references of selected articles for additional studies. Search terms were combined using Boolean operators and organized into four concept categories: HIV, age, mental health, and region. Eligible studies were original, peer-reviewed research published in English between 2020 and 2026, conducted in SSA, and reporting on mental health among ALWH aged 10-19 years. The search yielded 427 records, of which 29 duplicates were removed. Of the 398 articles screened, 317 were excluded at the abstract stage and a further 57 after full-text review, leaving 24 articles for inclusion. The review identified six common mental health problems among ALWH in SSA: depressive disorders and symptoms, generalized anxiety, suicidality, emotional and behavioural problems, posttraumatic stress, and substance use problems. Depression and suicidality were the most frequently reported, whereas substance use, generalized anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and emotional and behavioural problems were less frequently reported. ALWH in SSA experience a range of mental health problems that may affect their well-being and engagement in HIV care. Routine mental health screening, prevention, and psychosocial support should be integrated into HIV care for this population. Strengthening integrated mental health and HIV services may help address unmet needs and improve health outcomes among ALWH in SSA.

PMID:
42912809
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Oct 2026.

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