Burden of HIV-related stigma and associated factors among women living with depression accessing PMTCT services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Issue 12 (2nd December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minja, Anna Agape; Larson, Elysia; Aloyce, Zenaice; Araya, Ricardo; Kaale, Anna; Kaaya, Sylvia F.; Kamala, Janeth; Kasmani, Muhummed Nadeem; Komba, Amina; Mwimba, Angelina; Ngakongwa, Fileuka; Siril, Hellen; Smith Fawzi, Mary C.; Somba, Magreat; Sudfeld, Christopher R.; Figge, Caleb J.
• Is Part Of: AIDS care. Volume 34:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1572
• Page End: 1579
• Publication Date: 2022-12-02
• Subjects: HIV -- AIDS -- sub-Saharan Africa -- Tanzania -- stigma -- pregnancy -- global mental health; AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; 362.1969792
• DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2050174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0121

Abstract

ABSTRACT: HIV-related stigma represents a potent risk factor for a range of poor health outcomes, including mental health symptoms, treatment non-adherence, and substance use. Understanding the role of HIV-related stigma in promoting healthcare outcomes is critical for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women living with HIV, in contexts with continued high rates of HIV and associated stigma, such as sub-Saharan Africa. The current study examined a range of risk and protective factors for HIV-related stigma with 742 pregnant women ( M age = 29.6 years) living with depression and HIV accessing prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Risk factors included depressive symptoms, ART non-adherence, intimate partner violence, food insecurity, and alcohol problems. Protective factors included disclosure of HIV status, social support, an appreciative relationship with their partner, hope, and self-efficacy. Findings highlight key psychosocial and behavioral determinants of HIV-related stigma for pregnant women living with HIV in Tanzania, and can inform perinatal care programming and interventions to optimize mental health and adherence outcomes.