To consolidate evidence concerning psychological distress in HIV patients and elucidate its sources and influencing factors, emphasizing the need for understanding patients' experiences.
Key Findings:
A total of 1583 studies were identified, and 11 studies were incorporated into the review.
Three analytical themes emerged: individual factors (disease diagnosis, emotional dilemma), environmental factors (economic hardship, social environment, limited access to health support), and interpersonal factors (decline in marital intimacy, insufficient support from family and friends).
Interpretation:
Psychological distress is a subjective phenomenon influenced by the interaction of individual, environmental, and interpersonal factors, commonly seen in HIV patients.
Limitations:
The review is limited to qualitative studies, which may not capture the full scope of psychological distress experienced by HIV patients, potentially overlooking quantitative data.
Conclusion:
Understanding psychological distress prevalence and causes is essential for effective therapeutic care.
