Adoua Doukaga T^{1, 2}, Ossibi Ibara BR^{1, 2,}, Bitséne Mpika G^{1, 3}, Obembo G², Bintsindou P¹, Ekat M^{1, 2}, Angonga Pabota E², Bendent Lebaho P², Adoua Ngatsongo PU², Kinga F², Itoua C^{1, 3}

Objective. Evaluate the psychological experience of women living with HIV at Brazzaville University Hospital. Patients and Method. Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study including women aged at least 18 years, infected with HIV during the period from April 1 to September 30, 2022 (06 months) without psychiatric history and consenting to the study. Results. Eighty patients (8,4%), mean age 45.92 ± 14.5 (21-69) years, single (n=33; 41.3%), with secondary education (72.5%), shopkeepers (n=30; 37.5%), urban residents (n=48.7%). Socioeconomic status was low (n=30; 37.5%). The mean duration of HIV infection was 118.7 months. Pre-test counseling had not been carried out (n=66; 82.5%), and HIV had been discovered during a medical check-up (n=47; 58.8%). The serological results were announced by the general practitioner (n=26; 32.5%), the nurse (n=28; 35%). The home-site distance for dispensing ARVs was between 6-10 km in 51.3% of cases. Patients were on the TDF+3TC+DTG (n=35; 43.7%) and TDF+FTC+EFV (n=36; 45%) protocols. The partner's serostatus was unknown (n=41; 51.3%), and the desire to have a child was expressed (n=21; 77.8%). ART (n=34; 42.5%) and avoidance of breastfeeding (n=30; 37.5%) were cited as means of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV status was disclosed within the family (n=50; 62.5%). Tuberculosis was the first opportunistic infection found (n=15; 42.8%) and patients were at WHO stage 4 (n=42; 52.5%). Psychological disorders were anxiety (n=32; 40%) and moderate depression (n=9; 3.7%). Self-esteem was very low (n=26; 32.5%) and low (n=37; 46.3%). Associated factors were: age (P=0.03), level of education (p=0.02), residence (p=0.02) as well as socio-economic level (p=0.02), pre-test counseling not done (p=0.003). Conclusion. Loss of self-esteem, anxiety and depression are common among women living with HIV in Brazzaville, and this is linked to stigmatization, low socio-economic level and lack of clear information about HIV. It is therefore important to take mental health into account in the overall care of people living with HIV.

HIV, Psychology, women, Brazzaville