Supa PengpidKarl PeltzerUniversity of LimpopoMahidol University2022-08-042022-08-042021-01-01International Journal on Disability and Human Development. Vol.20, No.2 (2021), 159-16421910367219112312-s2.0-85118345457https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/77106The aim of the study was to assess psychological distress (PD) and HIV status among adolescents in South Africa. In a national cross-sectional 2017 community-based survey, 4,242 adolescents (15-19 years) responded to structured interview questions and had complete HIV status measurements. Logistic regression was utilized to estimate the predictors of PD. Results indicate that the prevalence of PD was 16.6% in the overall sample, 16.3% in the HIV positive and 16.6% in the HIV negative sample. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older adolescents (17-19 years) and poorer self-rated health status were associated with PD. Measured HIV status and substance use were not significantly associated with PD. However, among those who self-reported to be HIV positive the prevalence of PD was 37.5%, and among those who reported to be HIV negative, the prevalence of PD was 18.6% (p < 0.001). A high proportion of adolescents in South Africa had PD and several associated factors were found to be targeted in interventions.Mahidol UniversityHealth ProfessionsMedicineNeuroscienceNursingArticleSCOPUS