Abstract
This study examined the relationships between perceived public stigma, experienced stigma, and quality of life in people living with HIV (PLHIV), and whether self-stigma mediates these relationships. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from 1704 PLHIV in care at OLVG hospital in the Netherlands. We measured different types of stigma (perceived public stigma, experienced stigma, and self-stigma), and various quality-of-life outcomes (disclosure concerns, depression, anxiety, sexual problems, sleeping difficulties, self-esteem, general health, and social support). Structural equation modeling was used to test the paths from different types of stigma to quality-of-life outcomes. All direct effects of self-stigma on quality-of-life outcomes were significant. The final mediation model showed that the effects of both perceived public and experienced stigma on quality-of-life outcomes were mediated by self-stigma. These findings highlight the importance of addressing self-stigma in PLHIV, and call for (psychosocial) interventions that reduce the harmful effects of HIV-related stigma.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 231-238 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Aids Patient Care and Stds |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2021 |
Keywords
- CARE
- DEPRESSION
- DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
- HIV-related stigma
- INTERNALIZED STIGMA
- MEDIATING ROLES
- MEDICATION ADHERENCE
- MENTAL-HEALTH
- POSITIVE GAY
- SOCIAL SUPPORT
- STATUS DISCLOSURE
- WOMEN
- health outcomes
- internalized
- quality of life
- self-stigma