Trends and Developments in Holistic Mental Health Approaches for People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Bibliometric Study
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Abstract
Background: The integration of mental health into HIV care has gained momentum in recent years, driven by evidence showing that psychosocial factors significantly influence treatment adherence and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Holistic approaches, which combine biomedical, psychological, and social support, are increasingly recognized as essential to effective HIV management. Objective: This study aims to explore scholarly trends and developments in holistic mental health interventions for PLWHA through a bibliometric analysis, identifying key themes, research patterns, and influential contributors in the field. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, targeting publications from 2021 to 2025. A total of 111 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on relevance to mental health care and interdisciplinary or holistic approaches for PLWHA. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer to visualize co-authorship, keyword clusters, and research networks. Results: The number of publications on holistic mental health in HIV care has steadily increased. Psychology and nursing were the most prominent subject areas, highlighting the field’s interdisciplinary nature. Nurses played a critical role in delivering frontline mental health support. Mobile health (mHealth) and peer-based interventions emerged as key innovations. Research output was dominated by high-income countries, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa leading in publication volume. Common research themes included stigma reduction, self-efficacy, and technology-based interventions. Conclusion: Holistic mental health care for PLWHA is an expanding area of research characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative delivery models. Despite progress, more inclusive, scalable, and context-sensitive approaches are needed, particularly in low-resource settings. Strengthening the role of nurses, embracing digital tools, and addressing structural stigma are essential to advancing mental health equity in HIV services.
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