Psychosocial and Health-Related Quality of Life Needs of People Living with HIV in Southern Mindanao: Implications for Universal Health Care in the Philippines

Background: The Philippines has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia–Pacific region, with one-third of new infections among young people. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved survival, psychosocial and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) needs remain underexplored, particularly in culturally diverse and resource-limited settings such as Southern Mindanao, a predominantly Muslim region. Objectives: To assess the psychosocial and medical needs and HRQOL of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving ART in Southern Philippines and to identify predictors of HRQOL for integration into culturally sensitive and age-specific Universal Health Care (UHC) services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 PLHIV enrolled at a tertiary ART hub from March to August 2018. Standardized instruments measured service utilization, psychosocial needs, stigma, and HRQOL. Multiple linear regression identified predictors of HRQOL, including age, ART duration, CD4 count, depression, stigma, coping, and case management. Results: Most participants were males (91%) and aged 25–34 years (60%). Adults reported loneliness and stigma (40%), youth had high anxiety (25%) and depression (31%), and seniors experienced financial strain despite strong social support. The regression model was significant ( p = 0.031) and explained 19.4% of the variance in HRQOL. Case management was the only significant predictor of higher HRQOL ( p = 0.004), whereas biomedical indicators were not significant. Stigma’s effect became nonsignificant after adjusting for depression. Conclusion: ART improved HRQOL, but unmet psychosocial needs persist. Case management and integrated psychosocial support are key to sustaining well-being, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, stigma-responsive, and person-centered HIV care under the UHC framework.