Mental Health Challenges in Pregnant Women Living with HIV and the Risk of Mother-to-Child Transmission: A Literature Review

Introduction: Pregnant women living with HIV face significant challenges, balancing the management of HIV and its potential transmission to their children. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, exacerbate these challenges and may impact adherence to HIV care and treatment, further increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Methods: This review examines the mental health problems among PWLHIV, their potential impact on HIV transmission to children, and the role of mental health interventions in improving maternal and child health outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, including studies published over the last decade on the mental health status of PWLHIV, their adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and the implications for HIV transmission to their children. Key studies were summarized and analyzed to identify prevalent mental health issues, their relationship to mother-to-child transmission, and effective intervention strategies. Results: Depression and anxiety were the most commonly reported mental health problems among PWLHIV, with prevalence rates of 30-47 % for depression and 20-40% for anxiety. Mental health problems were shown to hinder adherence to ART, increase the risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, and negatively impact both maternal and child health. Integrated care models that combine mental health support with HIV and maternal-child health services were found to improve care engagement and reduce HIV transmission risk Conclusions: Mental health problems significantly impact the ability of PWLHIV to prevent HIV transmission to their children. Integrated interventions that address both mental health and HIV care are essential to improving maternal and child health outcomes and minimizing the risk of mother-to-child transmission.