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

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.