Comparison of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Managing Psychological Distress and Its Multifaceted Impact on Stigmatization, Psychological Wellbeing, Social Support and Treatment Adherence in HIV/AIDS Patients

This is a randomized controlled trial comparing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for HIV/AIDS patients at Sheikh Zayed Hospital. 72 adults, aged 18-40 on ART will be randomized to CBT group (n=24), ACT group (n=24), or control group (n=24). Interventions are 8 weekly sessions of 35-40 minutes. Primary outcomes are depression, anxiety, stress measured by DASS-21, plus stigma, psychological wellbeing, social support, and medication adherence. Assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up using DASS-21, PWB, MPSS, GMAS, and MMSE. Ethical approval obtained from IRB of Sheikh Zayed Hospital. Informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation ensured.

Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have a documented medical diagnosis of HIV/AIDS by a healthcare professional. * Participants should fall within a specified age range, typically from 18 years to 40 years older. * ACT and CBT treatments will be made available to participants who are receiving ART. * Participants must be actively receiving or seeking treatment and care for their HIV/AIDS condition at Sheikh Zayed Hospital. * Individuals must express their voluntary willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with severe cognitive impairments that would hinder their ability to engage in assessments or therapy sessions will be excluded. * Individuals with severe psychiatric conditions that require immediate specialized care beyond the scope of the study will be excluded. * Individuals with a history of prior participation in a similar cognitive behavior therapy intervention for HIV/AIDS will be excluded to avoid potential confounding effects from previous treatment experiences