Behavioral Health Disorders and HIV Incidence and Treatment Among Women

The acquisition and transmission of HIV can be influenced by behavioral health conditions such as mental health and substance use disorders. Women with these conditions have a higher risk of acquiring HIV and worse health outcomes than those without. This chapter explores the intersectionality of mental health, substance use, and HIV among women. The chapter discuss the most prevalent conditions associated with HIV incidence and treatment among women as well as social determinants of health (SDOH) which affect the relationship between these conditions and HIV. The chapter also addresses the challenges and disparities faced by transgender women and the barriers women with behavioral health conditions face in HIV prevention efforts. It also addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with HIV among women. It concludes by highlighting evidence-based and structural interventions that can reduce the negative impact of these conditions on HIV prevention and treatment among women. Overall, the chapter emphasizes the importance of prioritizing behavioral health screening and treatment in addition to HIV treatment and the need for further research to understand the implementation of HIV prevention strategies in mental health and community-based settings.