CONTRIBUTION OF THE NURSE TO COMPREHENSIVE AND HUMANIZED MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR PATIENTS LIVING WITH HIV: NURSING INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still considered a major public health issue, not only because of its clinical effects but also due to its emotional, social, and psychological impact on the quality of life of people living with HIV. In this context, the nurse's role becomes essential in ensuring comprehensive and humanized care, particularly regarding mental health. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of nurses to the comprehensive and humanized mental health care of people living with HIV, emphasizing the main nursing interventions focused on promoting psychological well-being, strengthening treatment adherence, and minimizing the psychosocial effects of the disease. This study is a descriptive bibliographic review with a qualitative approach, conducted through searches in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Articles published between 2023 and 2025 and available in full text in Portuguese were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 scientific articles were selected to compose the final sample. The findings highlighted that strategies such as welcoming care, qualified listening, therapeutic communication, health education, and strengthening the therapeutic bond are effective in reducing psychological distress, increasing treatment adherence, and improving patients' quality of life. It was concluded that nurses play a strategic role in promoting mental health, humanizing healthcare, and strengthening comprehensive care for people living with HIV, contributing to a more ethical, inclusive, and patient-centered approach to healthcare.