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

Author

Listed:
  • Henry Santa-Cruz-Espinoza

    (Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, Lima 15842, Peru)

  • Julio Domínguez-Vergara

    (Dirección de Investigación, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima 15046, Peru)

  • Natalia Mavila Guzmán-Rodríguez

    (Escuela de Psicología, Institutos y Centros de Investigación, Universidad César Vallejo, Trujillo 13009, Peru)

  • Janeth Molina-Alvarado

    (Escuela de Psicología, Institutos y Centros de Investigación, Universidad César Vallejo, Trujillo 13009, Peru)

  • Jennifer Castañeda-Paredes

    (Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, Lima 15842, Peru)

  • Gina Chávez-Ventura

    (Escuela de Psicología, Institutos y Centros de Investigación, Universidad César Vallejo, Trujillo 13009, Peru)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Santa-Cruz-Espinoza & Julio Domínguez-Vergara & Natalia Mavila Guzmán-Rodríguez & Janeth Molina-Alvarado & Jennifer Castañeda-Paredes & Gina Chávez-Ventura, 2025. "Social Support as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Stigma and Mental Health in Adults Living with HIV," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:935-:d:1678363
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weigang Pan & Yujie Zhao & Yihong Long & Ying Wang & Yingzhi Ma, 2022. "The Effect of Perceived Social Support on the Mental Health of Homosexuals: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Song, Haoming, 2025. "Structural stigma and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults: Policy protection and cultural acceptance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 373(C).
    3. Yves Arrighi & Bruno Ventelou, 2019. "Epidemiological Transition and the Wealth of Nations: the Case of HIV/AIDS in a Microsimulation Model," Revue d'économie politique, Dalloz, vol. 129(4), pages 591-618.
    4. Yves Arrighi, 2019. "Epidemiological transition and the wealth of nations : the case of HIV/AIDS in a microsimulation model," Post-Print hal-01913939, HAL.
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