Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-Esteem, and HIV-Related Stigma in Adolescents and Young Adults Living With Perinatally Acquired HIV in Northern Thailand

Background Adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (AYA-PHIV) face psychosocial challenges that may be associated with antiretroviral treatment (ART) outcomes and quality of life. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among AYA-PHIV receiving care in northern Thailand. Depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and internalized HIV-related stigma were assessed using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale-10, and Thai Internalized HIV-related Stigma Scale-22. Virologic suppression status was obtained from clinical records. Group differences were examined using Independent Samples t -test. Results Participants without virologic suppression reported higher internalized HIV-related stigma scores than those with suppression ( P < .001) and a higher prevalence of low self-esteem. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were not different. Conclusions Higher internalized stigma and lower self-esteem were observed among AYA-PHIV without virologic suppression in this clinic-based sample. Findings highlight the potential relevance of psychosocial support within adolescent HIV care. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to clarify pathways linking stigma, mental health, adherence, and virologic outcomes.