Association between perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nanjing, China. Issue 9 (2nd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Hong; Li, Xiaoyan; Li, Jingjing; Wang, Wei; Yang, Yinmei; Yao, Xing; Yang, Ningxi; Li, Shiyue
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 31:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1069
• Page End: 1076
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02
• Subjects: Perceived stigma -- depressive symptoms -- HIV -- MSM -- structural equation model; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1601677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Among Chinese HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), high levels of depression are common. The association between HIV and depression is attributed to several factors, particularly HIV-related stigma. However, to date, how HIV-related stigma leads to depression among Chinese HIV-positive MSM is still unclear. As such, this study aims to examine the relationships between perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among HIV-positive MSM in China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among 347 HIV-positive MSM from July to August 2016 in Nanjing, China. Measurements were sociodemographic and psychological constructs including perceived HIV stigma, social support, resilience, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among these constructs. Overall, 134( 38.6%) participants had depressive symptoms. Perceived stigma was directly associated with depressive symptoms ( β = .196, p < .001). Perceived stigma also indirectly affected depressive symptoms ( β = .200, p < .001)through social support and self-esteem. Social support ( β = −.124, p = .004) and self-esteem ( β = −.536, p = .001), but not resilience, were direct predictors of depressive symptoms. Resilience was directly associated with self-esteem ( β = .512, p < .001). Perceived HIV stigma could directly and indirectly impact depressive symptoms in HIV-positive MSM. Improving personal self-esteem, resilience and social support might reduce impact of perceived stigma on depressive symptoms among HIV-positive MSM in China.