Comparative analysis of mental well-being and future orientation among perinatally and behaviorally diagnosed adolescents living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria

Adolescents living with HIV represent a vulnerable group with distinct psychological challenges. Yet, there is limited research on the factors influencing their mental well-being and future orientation independently and jointly, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing studies have primarily focused on the mental well-being of adolescents with perinatal HIV, leaving a gap in understanding those contracted through behavioral forms. This study aimed to investigate whether the mode of HIV transmission (perinatal vs. behavioral) would be associated with mental well-being and future orientation. A sample of 118 adolescents (ages 13–19, M = 16.5, SD = 1.8) living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria were assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure mental well-being, and the Future Orientation Scale (FOS) to evaluate future orientation, including planning ahead, time perspective, and anticipation of future consequences. Results from the one-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in mental well-being [F (2, 114) = 0.318, P = 0.728] and future orientation [F (2, 115) = 0.464, P = 0.630] between perinatally and behaviorally infected adolescents. These findings suggest that the mode of HIV transmission does not significantly affect the mental well-being or future orientation of adolescents living with HIV. Interventions to support this population should focus on shared mental well-being needs, such as coping with stigma and chronic illness management, rather than focusing on the mode of transmission.