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Journal Article 12.1: Moodley, A., & Kagee, A. (2017). Experiences of social support among persons seeking HIV testing. Journal of Health Psychology.

Abstract: We interviewed 15 HIV test seekers to understand how social support acted either as a facilitator or barrier to HIV testing. Participants were recruited at community outreach testing sites in South Africa and participated in qualitative interviews which were then analysed using thematic analysis. We identified three main themes, namely, the social phenomenon of perceived risk as a facilitator to HIV testing, social support as a way of managing distress and the public health service as a supportive environment, which all played a role in test-seeking among participants. The results are integrated with the current debates on HIV testing in South Africa.

Journal Article 12.2: Nosrat, S., Whitworth, J. W., & Ciccolo, J. T. (2017). Exercise and mental health of people living with HIV: A systematic review. Chronic Illness, 13(4), 299-319.

Abstract: Mental illness is highly prevalent among people living with HIV. Poor mental health is linked to HIV disease progression, making the treatment of mental illness alongside HIV essential. While the benefits of exercise on the physical health of people living with HIV are well established, the effect of exercise on mental health in this population is less examined. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review of the effects of exercise on mental health in people living with HIV. A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO) through 30 November 2016 was completed. The methodological framework for scoping studies was used to conduct the review process. RISMA guidelines were used to report the results. The search resulted in 2273 articles and 52 were determined to be relevant. After review of the full text of potentially relevant studies, 24 studies were included for the analysis. Both aerobic and resistance exercise have independent and combined positive effects on various indicators of mental health in people living with HIV. Major limitations include high attrition rate, small sample size, and poor study designs. Higher quality studies with more diverse populations such as women, older adults, and transgender individuals are required.