Effects of Music and Counseling Programs on Mental Health and Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence of Adolescents and Young Adults Living With HIV in Northern Thailand, a Randomized Trial

BackgroundMental health significantly impacts antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence in adolescents and young adults with perinatal HIV (AYA-PHIV), posing challenges for healthcare providers. This study investigated the effects of music and counseling programs on mental health and treatment adherence of AYA-PHIV.MethodsIn a randomized controlled study, the participants were assigned to the Music and Counseling Program (Arm 1), the Music Program (Arm 2), the Counseling Program (Arm 3), and a no-intervention group (Arm 4). Before and after 10 weekly sessions of a 90-minute study intervention, ART adherence and mental health questionnaires were completed.ResultsAfter the intervention, Arm 1 participants had a significantly increased median self-esteem score (17-25, P = .05). A significantly decrease in mean Thai-IHSS scores were observed in Arm 1 and 3 participants.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that music and counseling programs improved self-esteem and reduced internalized HIV-related stigma in AYA-PHIV. Most participants reported better ART adherence and improved virologic outcomes.