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Social Support as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Stigma and Mental Health in Adults Living with HIV

Bibliographic Data

ID15480916
AuthorsHenry Santa-Cruz-Espinoza (0000-0002-6475-9724, National University of Engineering, corresponding author), Julio Domínguez-Vergara (0000-0002-3671-3366, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú), Natalia Mavila Guzmán Rodríguez (0000-0002-1381-8261, Universidad César Vallejo), Janeth Molina-Alvarado (Universidad César Vallejo), Jennifer Castañeda-Paredes (National University of Engineering), Gina Chávez-Ventura (0000-0002-4638-3487, Universidad César Vallejo)
Year2025
Volume22
Issue6
Pages935-935
Publication date2025-06-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22060935
PMID40566360
OpenAlexW4411383599
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited76

Exposure to HIV-related stigma and mental health problems have both been reported by HIV-positive individuals. We analyzed the role of social support as a mediator in the relationship between HIV-associated stigma and mental health among adults living with HIV. A total of 303 people aged 18 years and over (M = 40.5; SD = 11.2) with an HIV diagnosis who were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method in Trujillo, Peru, participated in this study. The Macro PROCESS program for SPSS was used for data analysis. We found that stigma exerts an indirect effect on the mental health among adults living with HIV, mediated through social support (β = -0.05, SE = 0.02; 95% CI [-0.09; -0.02]). However, stigma does not exert a direct effect on mental health (β = -0.08; p = 0.21). It is concluded that social support negatively and fully mediates the relationship between HIV-linked stigma and mental health among adults living with HIV. A higher stigma was associated with lower social support, and lower social support negatively affects mental health. For this reason, strengthening social support networks in adults with HIV may have a positive impact on public health

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Mediator · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Social stigma · Social support · Stigma (botany · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Gerontology

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Unique citing works2
Citations per year2
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1
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