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Role of Self-Stigma in Pathways from HIV-Related Stigma to Quality of Life Among People Living with HIV

  • Yvonne L. van der Kooij*
  • , Alzbeta Kupkova
  • , Chantal den Daas
  • , Guido E. L. van den Berk
  • , Marie Jose T. Kleene
  • , Hannah S. E. Jansen
  • , Loek J. M. Elsenburg
  • , Leo G. Schenk
  • , Peter Verboon
  • , Kees Brinkman
  • , Arjan E. R. Bos
  • , Sarah E. Stutterheim
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)231-238
Number of pages8
JournalAids Patient Care and Stds
Volume35
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 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

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