COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN THE CARE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN BRAZIL: A SCOPING REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

HIV infection remains a significant public health issue, with biological, psychological, and social repercussions. In this context, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a relevant approach in the mental health care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The present study aimed to map and analyze the applications and research focuses of CBT in PLHIV within the Brazilian scientific literature. This is a scoping review. The search was conducted in the LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, with no time restriction, using controlled descriptors and free terms related to CBT, mental health, and HIV. Studies published in Portuguese that addressed CBT-based interventions in PLHIV were included. At the end of the selection process, 13 studies were included. The results revealed a predominance of literature reviews, with fewer empirical studies and small sample sizes. A diversity of research focuses was observed, including treatment adherence, stress management, psychological assessment, and psychoeducational interventions, as well as an increase in publications since the 2010s. It is concluded that the national scientific production is in a process of consolidation, with advances in the application of CBT, but still marked by methodological gaps that highlight the need for more robust empirical research.