Abstract
IntroductionThe patterning of the HIV epidemic within young key populations (YKPs) highlights disproportionate burden by mental disorders in these populations. The mental wellbeing of YKPs is closely associated with biological predispositions and psychosocial factors related to YKPs’ sexual and gender identities and socio-economic status. The purpose of this paper is to highlight sources of risk and resilience, as well as identify treatment and supports for mental health disorders (MHDs) among YKPs.DiscussionThis paper utilizes Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Systems Theory and the Social Stress Model to explore the risk and protective factors for MHDs across YKPs’ ecological systems, and identify current gaps in treatment and support for MHDs among these youth. We emphasize the fluidity and intersections across these categorizations which reinforce the vulnerability of these populations, the lack of concrete data to inform mental health interventions among YKPs, and the need to ground YKP interventions and programmes with human rights principles stipulated in the convention on the rights of a child.ConclusionsWe put forth recommendations for future research and strategies to address the mental wellbeing of YKPs, including the need for integrated interventions that address the multiplicity of risk factors inherent in the multiple group membership, rather than single-focus interventions whilst addressing the unique needs or challenges of YKPs.
Highlights
The patterning of the HIV epidemic within young key populations (YKPs) highlights disproportionate burden by mental disorders in these populations
For the purposes of this article, YKPs will be defined as sexual minority youth; gender minority youth; youth who inject drugs; youth involved in sex work; runaway and homeless youth; and detained or incarcerated youth
Studies have consistently reported higher rates of mental health disorders (MHDs) such as major depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorder, alcohol dependence and abuse, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among sexual minority youth [24Á28], gender minority youth [25,27,29,30], youth who inject drugs [20,31], detained or incarcerated youth [32Á36], runaway and homeless youth [37Á39] and youth involved in sex work [40Á42], relative to comparable youth populations
Summary
The patterning of the HIV epidemic within young key populations (YKPs) highlights disproportionate burden by mental disorders in these populations. Conclusions: We put forth recommendations for future research and strategies to address the mental wellbeing of YKPs, including the need for integrated interventions that address the multiplicity of risk factors inherent in the multiple group membership, rather than single-focus interventions whilst addressing the unique needs or challenges of YKPs. HIV infection disproportionately affects youth [1Á3], and the patterning of the HIV epidemic within young key populations (YKPs) underscores the role of mental health disorders (MHDs) in structuring vulnerability of these populations to HIV. HIV infection increases the risk of MHDs among YKPs [17,18].
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