Promoting Health Behaviors and Social Support for Depression Prevention among Children and Adolescents Living with HIV in the Thai Context
Keywords:
Depression prevention, HIV, Children and adolescents, Health behaviors, Mental healthAbstract
Depression is a common mental health problem among children and adolescents living with HIV and adversely affects emotional well-being, behavior, academic performance, social relationships, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life. Although advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved life expectancy and physical health outcomes, mental health problems remain a major challenge requiring continuous attention. This academic article aims to synthesize current knowledge on depression among children and adolescents living with HIV and to present approaches for promoting health behaviors and social support to prevent depression in the Thai context. The article encompasses associated risk factors, assessment approaches, and the roles of families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities in promoting mental health and preventing depression. A review of the literature indicates that depression in children and adolescents living with HIV results from multiple interacting factors, including biological and treatment-related factors, HIV-related stigma, family environment, and access to healthcare services. Evidence also suggests that health behavior promotion—including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, stress management, appropriate digital media use, and treatment adherence—together with social support from families, peers, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of depression, strengthening psychological resilience, and improving quality of life.
Therefore, promoting health behaviors in conjunction with strengthening social support represents a key strategy for preventing depression and enhancing mental health among children and adolescents living with HIV. Such efforts should be implemented through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach involving families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities to create supportive environments, reduce HIV-related stigma, promote self-care, and improve long-term quality of life in the Thai context.
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