Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Suicidal Ideation and Attempt Among Adolescents Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study in Masaka, Uganda.

Summary: Being a teenager is a time of major physical and emotional changes, which can be really tough. For teenagers dealing with poverty, abuse, or living with HIV, it can be even harder. This study looks at teenagers in Uganda who have HIV to see how loneliness and feeling left out affect their mental health, especially thoughts of suicide. Globally, about 1 in 7 teens face mental health struggles, but many do not get the help they need. Without help, they can face bullying, struggle in school, and have a higher risk of health problems. It is incredibly important to support these teens and get them the mental healthcare they deserve.