SPIRITUALITY, MENTAL HEALTH, PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH HIV/AIDS: INTEGRATING SPIRITUALITY INTO MENTAL HEALTH CARE

HIV-positive women have used spirituality as a resource to enhance their psychological well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this article is to review the literature about depression among HIV-positive women and to describe the positive associations reported among spirituality, mental health, and HRQOL. This article also advocates the development and use of interventions integrated with spirituality. The incorporation of spirituality into traditional mental health practices can optimize healthcare for HIV-positive women who are diagnosed with depression. A case example is presented and spiritual implications are discussed.