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Zhou T, Chen Q, Zhong X. Associations between sexual identity stigma and positive sexual identity, and depression among men who have sex with men in China: A mediation analysis using structural equation modelling. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 96:32-39. [PMID: 38830488 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE High levels of depression are common among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, and there is limited research on the relationship between MSM stigma and depression. Guided by the psychological mediation framework, to explore the relationship between stigma and depression among MSM and how positive sexual identity plays a role in it, we tested this model whether: 1) enacted MSM stigma, perceived MSM stigma, and positive sexual identity are associated with depression; 2) their effects on depression are mediated through resilient coping and social support; and 3) perceived MSM stigma is a mediator of the effects of enacted MSM stigma and positive sexual identity on depression. METHODS We conducted mediation analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM) on data from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1014 MSM recruited using a non-probability sampling method in December 2022. The data passed general analyses such as normality and correlation, which allowed for modeling. The final SEM fit metrics indicated that the model was acceptable. RESULTS Structural equation modeling results showed that enacted stigma directly and positively affected depressive symptoms (β = 0.558, 95 % confidence interval = 0.457 ~ 0.644, P < 0.001). Perceived stigma had a positive effect on depressive symptoms (β = 0.114, 95 %CI = 0.036 ~ 0.200, P = 0.002). Positive identity had a positive effect on depressive symptoms (β = 0.086, 95 %CI = 0.016 ~ 0.162, P = 0.013). In addition, the results of mediation effect analysis showed that the indirect effect of enacted stigma on the effect of depression through social support was (β = 0.040, 95 %CI = 0.003 ∼ 0.017, P = 0.049); The indirect effect of perceived stigma on the effect of depression through resilient coping was (β = -0.015, 95 %CI = -0.034 ∼ -0.002, P = 0.056); The indirect effects of positive sexual identity on the effect of depression through resilient coping and social support were (β = -0.025, 95 %CI = -0.056 ∼ -0.002, P = 0.052) and (β = -0.056, 95 %CI = -0.101 ∼ -0.023, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Resilient coping and social support mediated the relationship between stigma and depression, and both were influenced by positive identity. This study reveals that enhancing coping and social support may reduce the impact of stigma on depressive symptoms, both of which are potential targets for interventions for MSM. Guiding MSM to develop a positive sexual identity is conducive to reducing the prevalence of depressive symptoms among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Zhou
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiao Chen
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhong
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Liu X, Zhai M, Li J, Liu D, Yuan L, Wang H, Yu B, Yan H. Longitudinal effects of sexual minority stigma on depressive symptoms among young men who have sex with men: Distinguish between and within person effects. J Adolesc 2024; 96:1293-1303. [PMID: 38769773 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may experience high levels of sexual minority stigma (SMS) and depressive symptoms (DS) over the world and in China. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the longitudinal effects of SMS on DS of YMSM, especially focusing on YMSM and separating the between-person and within-person effects. This study aimed to fill the said gaps. METHODS Study data were derived from a prospective cohort of 349 YMSM from central China (Wuhan, Changsha, Nanchang), the baseline survey was started in 2017 with one follow-up visit every year. SMS and DS were measured three times using valid and reliable instruments. The cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) and the random intercept CLPM (RI-CLPM) were used to examine the between-person and within-person concurrent and lagged effects, respectively. RESULTS Findings of CLPM revealed bidirectional associations between SMS and DS over time. RI-CLPM suggested that at the between-person level, SMS was significantly associated with DS, echoing the results of CLPM. However, this reciprocal relationship has not been found at the within-person level. CONCLUSION The associations between SMS and DS among YMSM at the population level is more significant than that at the individual level. We suggest that interventions should be against the adverse effects of cultural marginalization and systemic change the social concepts to reduce the amount of SMS in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mengxi Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liang Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huihao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Li Q, Zhang Y, Huang S, Xu Y, Zhou J, Li Y, Xiao Y, Ma W, He L, Ren X, Dai Z, Liang W, Cheng F, Luo S. Depressive symptoms and its multifaceted associated factors among young men who have sex with men facing the dual threats of COVID-19 and mpox in China. J Affect Disord 2024; 363:39-46. [PMID: 39025443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of human beings since 2020, especially the young people and the pre-existing marginalized groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-country outbreak of mpox in 2022 additionally posed a significant stress on the most-affected communities (i.e., MSM). This study investigated the level of depressive symptoms and its multifaceted associated factors among Chinese young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in this unique period. METHODS In September 2022, a large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among YMSM aged 18-29 years across six representative provinces in China. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the various types of associated factors of depressive symptoms. RESULTS Among the 2493 participants, 65.6 % (n = 1638) reported mild to severe depressive symptoms. The hierarchical regression analysis identified that depressive symptoms was significantly positively associated with unemployment, having substance use in the past 6 months, a higher level of MSM self-stigma, incompletion of COVID-19 vaccination, greater mpox risk perception, and presence of mpox related-like symptoms. LIMITATIONS This study used the facility-based sampling method to recruit the participants, which may lead to selection bias. CONCLUSIONS Chinese YMSM faced significant mental health challenges during the concurrent epidemics of COVID-19 and mpox, which was associated with their socio-economic status, risk behaviors, stigma, and multiple diseases-related variables. Proactive measures may hold promise as effective strategies for mitigating mental distress among marginalized groups during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Li
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Siwen Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Xu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingtao Zhou
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongkang Xiao
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lin He
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianlong Ren
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Dai
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wannian Liang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Cheng
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sitong Luo
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Gu C, Bu H, Lv Z, He A. Sexual Self-Identification Offsets and Self-Stigma Moderates: Expanding the Rejection-Identification Model to Examine Stigma's Effects on Well-Being Among Gay and Bisexual Men. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38833645 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2360608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Gender and sexual minorities still face stigma-related stress from all areas of society. The rejection-identification model (RIM) proposes that some stigmatized individuals may respond to the negative effects of stigma on well-being by enhancing their self-identification. However, this does not apply to all gender and sexual minorities. Grounded in minority stress theory and the RIM, this study examined how stigma-related stressors (i.e. perceived stigma and self-stigma) and their associated mechanisms impact sexual self-identification and subjective well-being. A total of 366 Chinese gay and bisexual men were included in the study. The results showed that sexual self-identification, as a protective factor, mediated the association between perceived stigma and subjective well-being. Furthermore, the indirect effect of the mediation model was moderated by self-stigma, such that the indirect effect of perceived stigma on subjective well-being through sexual self-identification was the highest among Chinese gay and bisexual men with low self-stigma. Given that research into the mental health and well-being of Chinese gay and bisexual men is still in its infancy, our findings are important and may help in developing and improving socially and psychologically sensitive counseling services or intervention strategies for these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chudan Gu
- Humanities School, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Bu
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijian Lv
- School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Along He
- School of Journalism & Communication, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Tam CC, Harrison SE, Benotsch EG, Litwin AH, Zhou Y, Shen Z, Li X. Psychological Distress Mediates the Relationship Between HIV-Related Stigma and Prescription Opioid Misuse Among Chinese People Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1673-1683. [PMID: 38334862 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Prescription opioid misuse (POM) among people living with HIV (PLWH) is a serious concern due to risks related to dependence and overdose, and PLWH may be at higher risk for POM due to psychosocial stressors including psychological distress. However, scant POM research has examined the role of HIV-related stigma (e.g., internalized stigma, enacted stigma) in POM among PLWH. Guided by minority stress theory, this study examined a hypothesized serial mediation among enacted stigma, internalized stigma, psychological distress, and POM within a sample of Chinese PLWH with pain symptoms enrolled in a wave (between November 2017 and February 2018) of a longitudinal cohort study in Guangxi (n = 116). Models were tested individually for six enacted stigma experiences, controlling for key demographic and health-related variables (e.g., CD4 + count). Results showed HIV-related workplace discrimination was the most common stigma experience (12%,) and 10.3% of PLWH reported POM. Indirect effect analyses showed that internalized stigma was indirectly associated with POM through psychological distress. Internalized stigma and psychological distress mediated the association between workplace discrimination and POM. Family discrimination, gossip, and healthcare discrimination were directly associated with POM. This study suggests that Chinese PLWH may engage in POM to cope with psychological distress that is rooted in HIV-related stigma and highlights the important context of workplace discrimination for PLWH. Implications for interventions to reduce POM among PLWH are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Chi Tam
- Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Sayward E Harrison
- Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton St., Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Eric G Benotsch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Alain H Litwin
- School of Health Research, Clemson University, 605 Grove Road, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, 876 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC, 29605, USA
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Horsakulchai W, Sermprasartkul T, Sumetchoengprachya P, Chummaneekul P, Rungruang N, Uthis P, Sripan P, Srithanaviboonchai K. Factors associated with internalized HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV in Thailand. AIDS Care 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38289537 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Internalized HIV-related stigma (IHS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been documented as one of the factors contributing to the ongoing AIDS epidemic. The purpose of this study, which was conducted from September 2021 to January 2022, was to measure prevalence and identify factors associated with IHS among research participants who were living with HIV recruited from a research clinic in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Participants were considered to have IHS if they agreed to at least one of the 8 items of the newly developed Thai Internalized HIV-related Stigma Scale (Thai-IHSS). Of the 104 participants, 65.4% were female. The median age was 51.5 years and the duration of known HIV infection was 19.0 years. Fifty-three percent of the participants had IHS as defined by the study. Reduced probability of having IHS was independently associated with certain levels of education (middle or high school education compared with no or primary school) (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.77) and increased mental health-related quality of life (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.86). The prevalence of IHS among PLHIV in Chiang Mai was high. These findings highlight the requirement for comprehensive mental health care programs for PLHIV to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Penpaktr Uthis
- Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patumrat Sripan
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chen C, Wu Q, Zhao J, Zhao G, Li X, Du H, Chi P. Enacted Stigma Influences Bereavement Coping Among Children Orphaned by Parental AIDS: A Longitudinal Study with Network Analysis. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4949-4958. [PMID: 38089527 PMCID: PMC10712676 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s423707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The study aims to understand how enacted stigma influences bereavement coping at the style (scale) level and the specific pathways at the strategy (item) level. Methods The longitudinal data of 755 children orphaned by parental Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in rural China were used. Grief processing and deliberate grief avoidance were measured at wave 1 (baseline) and wave 2 (one-year follow-up) to reflect bereavement coping in the contexts of being with family members, being with friends, being with community members, and being alone. Enacted stigma that measured at wave 1 was used to assess the experienced stigma of these AIDS-orphaned children. Network analyses were run following regressions. Results Controlling for demographics and baseline-level bereavement coping, multivariate regressions revealed that enacted stigma at wave 1 significantly predicted grief processing and deliberate grief avoidance at wave 2. Network analyses showed that, for grief processing, stigma increased searching for meaning alone and with friends and expressing feelings to community members, which then provoked the same strategy across contexts. Meanwhile, stigma triggered the deliberate grief avoidance network by initially suppressing the expression of feelings to community members. Conclusion Enacted stigma contributes to bereavement coping. Stigma stirs up complex feelings but forces AIDS-orphaned children to suppress expressions, and it increases needs to process grief through meaning making but cuts supporting forces by promoting avoidance. Interventions are imperative to reduce stigma, improve emotion regulation, and facilitate meaning making for people bereaved by stigmatized deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqian Chen
- Department of Medical Humanities, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinglu Wu
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- Institute of Psychology and Behavior, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoxiang Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hongfei Du
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peilian Chi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, People’s Republic of China
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Zhou T, Chen Q, Zhong X. A Study of the Relationship between Men Who Have Sex with Men Stigma and Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2849. [PMID: 37957994 PMCID: PMC10648211 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high prevalence of depression due to stigma. However, whether resilience and social support play a moderating role in the effects of stigma on depression remains to be tested. This study constructed a moderated mediation model to explore the mediating role of perceived stigma in the relationship between enacted stigma and depression and whether this relationship is moderated by social support. (2) Methods: MSM were recruited during November-December 2022 using a non-probability sampling method, and a total of 1091 participants were included. Enacted stigma, perceived stigma, resilience, social support, and depressive symptoms were measured. Mediation and moderated mediation models were used to analyze the relationships between these variables. (3) Results: Moderated mediation analyses show that enacted stigma indirectly affects depression through perceived stigma (β = 0.315, 95% confidence interval = 0.221 to 0.421). Social support had a positive moderating effect between enacted stigma and depressive symptoms (β = 0.194, p < 0.001) and a negative moderating effect between perceived stigma and depressive symptoms (β = -0.188, p < 0.001). (4) Resilience and perceived stigma mediated the relationship between enacted stigma and depression, and the relationship between enacted stigma, perceived stigma, and depression was moderated by social support. Reducing stigma while increasing social support has the potential to alleviate depressive symptoms among Chinese MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoni Zhong
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (T.Z.); (Q.C.)
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Brown MJ, Gao C, Kaur A, Qiao S, Li X. Social Support, Internalized HIV Stigma, Resilience and Depression Among People Living with HIV: A Moderated Mediation Analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1106-1115. [PMID: 36094638 PMCID: PMC10115436 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03847-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Internalized HIV stigma has been associated with depression among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, it is still unclear whether resilience would mediate the association between internalized HIV stigma and depression and how this indirect effect would be moderated by social support. Data were collected from 402 PLWH in South Carolina using a cross-sectional survey. Data were fitted using a path model that specified the extent to which internalized HIV stigma and depression were related through resilience and how this effect was moderated by social support. Sociodemographic characteristics were included in the model as covariates. The indirect effect of internalized HIV stigma on depression through resilience was statistically significant for high social support but not for low social support. To mitigate negative impacts of internalized HIV stigma on mental health of PLWH, intervention efforts should integrate multilevel components for promoting both resilience and social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique J Brown
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States.
- Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States.
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States.
- Office for the Study on Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States.
| | - Chuanji Gao
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Amandeep Kaur
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
| | - Shan Qiao
- Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
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Xiao W, Liu X, Wang H, Huang Y, Dai Z, Si M, Fu J, Chen X, Jia M, Leng Z, Cui D, Mak WWS, Dong L, Su X. Mediating role of resilience in the relationship between COVID-19 related stigma and mental health among COVID-19 survivors: a cross-sectional study. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:27. [PMID: 36978095 PMCID: PMC10043530 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused many negative effects on physical and mental health of patients who have survived COVID-19. Apart from some long-lasting physical sequelae, those COVID-19 survivors are also suffering stigma and discrimination at different levels around the world. The current study aims to assess the role resilience played in stigma and mental disorders among COVID-19 survivors. METHODS The cross-sectional study was carried out among former COVID-19 patients in Jianghan District (Wuhan, China) from June 10 to July 25, 2021. The demographic questions, the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Resilience Style Questionnaire and the Short Version of COVID-19 Stigma Scale of 12 items were used to collect relevant information of the participants. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were used to make data description and analysis. RESULTS A total of 1541 out of 1601 COVID-19 survivors (887 females and 654 males) were included in the analysis. Perceived stigma of those COVID-19 survivors correlates significantly with anxiety (r = 0.335, P < 0.001), depression (r = 0.325, P < 0.001) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (r = 0.384, P < 0.001). It has a direct effect on COVID-19 survivors' anxiety (β = 0.326, P < 0.001), depression (β = 0.314, P < 0.001), PTSD (β = 0.385, P < 0.001) and their resilience (β = - 0.114, P < 0.01). Resilience partially mediated the association between perceived stigma and anxiety (β = 0.020, P < 0.01), depression (β = 0.020, P < 0.01), and PTSD (β = 0.014, P < 0.01) among COVID-19 survivors. CONCLUSION Stigma has a significant negative impact on mental health, while resilience plays a mediator role in the relationship between stigma and mental health among COVID-19 survivors. Based on our study, we suggested that when designing psychological interventions for COVID-19 survivors, consideration should be taken into account to reduce stigma and improve resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Xiao
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Liu
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yiman Huang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenwei Dai
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyu Si
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Fu
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Jia
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Leng
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Cui
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Winnie W S Mak
- Diversity and Well-Being Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liming Dong
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyou Su
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 31 BeiJiGe San Tiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
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11
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He A, Bu H, Liao A, Mu W. What triggers depressive symptoms among gay and bisexual men? A sequential mediation model of sexual minority-related stigma and self-criticism. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:1097-1113. [PMID: 36594229 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of studies has shown that gay and bisexual men are more likely to experience adverse mental health status than their heterosexual counterparts. Stigma-related stress and self-criticism are believed likely to exacerbate depressive symptoms among gay and bisexual men. This research used cross-sectional findings to illustrate the mediating role of internalized self-stigma and self-criticism in the association between perceived public stigma and depressive symptoms. A total of 317 Chinese gay and bisexual men (267 gays and 50 bisexuals with a mean age of 25.29) were invited to participate in this study from October to November 2021. Sociodemographic characteristics, perceived public stigma, internalized self-stigma, self-criticism and depressive symptoms were measured through self-reported online questionnaires. The results indicated that the association between perceived public stigma and depressive symptoms was sequentially mediated by internalized self-stigma and self-criticism. The findings indicated that public stigma, as a distal stressor, was perceived and internalized as self-stigma by gay and bisexual men. This self-stigma may pose a risk for depressive symptoms via self-criticism (a maladaptive consequence of their attempts to reduce cognitive dissonance). These results highlight the necessity of reducing sexual minority-related stigma and self-criticism to reduce depressive symptoms. Our findings appeal to society to further decrease prejudice and stigma, increase tolerance, and focus on the negative mental health status of gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Along He
- School of Journalism & Communication, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - He Bu
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ankang Liao
- School of Foreign Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenlong Mu
- School of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Chakrapani V, Kershaw T, Kaur J, Shunmugam M, Nelson R, Vijin PP, Rajan M, Subramanian T. Associations between sexual stigma, enacted HIV stigma, internalized HIV stigma and homonegativity, and depression: testing an extended minority stress model among men who have sex with men living with HIV in India. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1586-1594. [PMID: 36062378 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2119467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Limited data is available on the associations between intersectional stigmas and mental health outcomes among men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSMLH) in India. The minority stress model postulates that sexual stigma contributes to depression through proximal stressors like internalized homonegativity (IHN). Using cross-sectional survey data from 119 MSMLH in 2015/16, we tested whether: (1) sexual stigma and enacted HIV stigma (EHS) are associated with depression; (2) their effects on depression are mediated through IHN and internalized HIV stigma (IHS); and (3) their effects on IHN are mediated through IHS. Significant direct associations were observed between scores on sexual stigma and IHS (β = .49, 95% CI .27, .70), EHS and IHN (β = .19, 95% CI .03, .36), and IHS and IHN (β = .07, 95% CI .03, .12). IHS scores mediated the associations of sexual stigma with depression (β = .17, 95% CI .07, .27) and IHN scores (β = .04, 95% CI .004, .07). EHS was not found to be significantly associated with depression or IHN. The findings partially support the minority stress model among MSMLH and highlight the importance of addressing both sexual and HIV-related stigmas to improve mental health of MSMLH, especially by screening for and reducing IHS, IHN and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jasvir Kaur
- Department of Nursing, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | - Ruban Nelson
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | | | - Magesh Rajan
- ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai, India
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13
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Pharr JR, Chien LC, Gakh M, Flatt JD, Kittle K, Terry E. Moderating Effect of Community and Individual Resilience on Structural Stigma and Suicidal Ideation among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14526. [PMID: 36361405 PMCID: PMC9656182 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural stigma in the form of discriminatory laws and policies impacts the mental health of sexual and gender minorities, especially with regard to suicidality. However, this relationship could be moderated by resilience. The past two years has brought anti-SGM legislation, particularly transgender sports bans, at the state level in the United States into focus. This study aims to understand if the relationship between familiarity with transgender sports bans (proposed or enacted) and suicidality was moderated by individual or community resilience. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of survey data collected from a national sample of 1033 SGM adults in the United States between 28 January and 7 February 2022. Univariate and multivariate moderation analyses were used. RESULTS In the univariate analyses and the final model, community resilience moderated the relationship between structural stigma and suicidality (p = 0.0002); however, individual resilience did not (p = 0.0664). CONCLUSION Interventions to bolster community resilience may attenuate the negative mental health impacts of structural stigma and are warranted, along with concerted efforts to minimize structural stigma in the form of discriminatory laws and policies targeting people who are SGM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Pharr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
| | - Lung-Chang Chien
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
| | - Maxim Gakh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
| | - Jason D. Flatt
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
| | - Krystal Kittle
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
| | - Emylia Terry
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
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14
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Plant K, Connell A, Hosking W, Lyons A. Internalized Homonegativity and Mental Health Among Chinese Gay and Bisexual Cisgender Men: Exploring the Moderating Influences of Psychosocial and Sexual Identity Factors. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3541-3556. [PMID: 35999423 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Much research on Chinese gay and bisexual men has focused on sexual health and, in particular, HIV-related issues. However, relatively little research has considered psychosocial aspects of being a gay or bisexual man in China. The present study was designed to address this gap by examining psychosocial predictors of mental health from a minority stress perspective. Results from an online survey of 1,786 Chinese gay and bisexual cisgender men revealed that higher levels of internalized homonegativity predicted greater psychological distress and a lower sense of positive well-being. Higher self-esteem, social support, and resilience were strong predictors of lower psychological distress and higher well-being, but these psychosocial factors mostly did not moderate associations between internalized homonegativity and mental health. A stronger sense of sexual identity superiority weakened the associations between internalized homonegativity and both mental health measures, but sexual identity centrality only moderated the association between internalized homonegativity and positive well-being. This study is among the first to examine minority stressors and psychosocial factors, distinct from the HIV-focussed literature, in a Chinese context. These findings may inform interventions targeting increased self-esteem, social support, and resilience, which could be beneficial for the mental health of Chinese gay and bisexual cisgender men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Plant
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Aneira Connell
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Warwick Hosking
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
| | - Anthony Lyons
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Lin CY, Griffiths MD, Pakpour AH, Tsai CS, Yen CF. Relationships of familial sexual stigma and family support with internalized homonegativity among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals: The mediating effect of self-identity disturbance and moderating effect of gender. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1465. [PMID: 35915488 PMCID: PMC9344633 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mediators of the association between familial attitudes toward sexual orientation and internalized homonegativity among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals have not been well examined. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was carried out to examine the (i) associations of familial sexual stigma and family support with internalized homonegativity among young adult LGB individuals in Taiwan, and (ii) mediating effect of self-identity disturbance and the moderating effect of gender. Self-identified LGB individuals (N = 1000; 50% males and 50% females; mean age = 24.6 years) participated in the study. Familial sexual stigma, family support, self-identity disturbance, and internalized homonegativity were assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to examine relationships between the variables. Results The results indicated that familial sexual stigma was directly associated with increased internalized homonegativity, and indirectly associated with increased internalized homonegativity via the mediation of self-identity disturbance among LGB individuals. Family support was indirectly associated with decreased internalized homonegativity via the mediation of low self-identity disturbance. The direct association between family support and internalized homonegativity was only found among lesbian and bisexual women but not among gay and bisexual men. Conclusions Program interventions for familial sexual stigma, family support, and self-identity disturbance are warranted to help reduce internalized homonegativity among LGB individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amir H Pakpour
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Ching-Shu Tsai
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung and School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, 32 Dapi Rd. Niaosong Dist., Kaohsiung, 83341, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, and School of Medicine College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan. .,College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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16
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Mohamad Fisal ZA, Minhat HS, Mohd Zulkefli NA, Ahmad N. Biopsychosocial approach to understanding determinants of depression among men who have sex with men living with HIV: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264636. [PMID: 35286312 PMCID: PMC8920233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are more likely to be depressed than MSM without HIV. The AIDS epidemic will not end if the needs of people living with HIV and the determinants of health are not being addressed. Compared to HIV individuals without depression, depressed HIV individuals have worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality risk. Depression is caused by a complex combination of social, psychological, and biological variables. This systematic review, thereby motivated by the need to address this gap in the literature, aims to articulate determinants of depression among MSM living with HIV according to the biopsychosocial approach. METHODOLOGY We systematically searched four databases from 2011 to 2021. We searched for observational studies on determinants of depression among MSM living with HIV. The outcome is depression based on the categorical or numerical outcome. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study risks of bias. Any disagreements are consulted with the third reviewer. RESULTS We identified 533 articles, of which only eight studies are included. A total of 3,172 MSMs are included in the studies. We found the determinants of depression and categorized them according to biological, psychological, and social approaches. CONCLUSION The determinants of depression with the strongest evidence across studies were enacted HIV-related stigma, unemployment, sleep disturbance, current smoker, black ethnicity, born overseas, ART initiation, and access to mental health care. Despite weaker evidence, the other relevant determinants to be included were older age, internalized stigma, self-efficacy, and social support. Efforts to improve or prevent depression among MSM living with HIV could benefit from addressing the determinants of depression based on the biopsychosocial approach immediately after HIV diagnosis. Integrating mental health screening and care into HIV treatment settings would strengthen HIV prevention and care outcomes and improve access to mental healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zul Aizat Mohamad Fisal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Afiah Mohd Zulkefli
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Ahmad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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17
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Tan S, Cen P, Fang T, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Huang H, Wang M, Jiang L, Mo J, Ning C. Chained multimediator model of sexual orientation disclosure, sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience among ymsms. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:797. [PMID: 35449098 PMCID: PMC9026989 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13231-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate sexual orientation disclosure and mental health among young men who have sex with men (YMSMs). To this end, we constructed a chained multimediator model of sexual minority stigma, sexual minority identity, social support, and resilience, with the moderator of sexual orientation disclosure. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 345 YMSMs in Nanning, China. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with sexual orientation disclosure. Sexual minority stigma was used to predict identity, with social support as the step 1 mediator and resilience as the step 2 mediator. Sexual minority identity was analyzed using a chained moderated mediation model; sexual orientation disclosure was included as a moderator in all models to control its confounding effect. Results The average age of YMSMs was 20.0 ± 1.3 years. Bivariate analysis indicated that YMSMs who disclosed sexual orientation may have experienced less stigma (15.49 ± 3.02 vs 16.21 ± 2.74), obtained more social support (65.98 ± 11.18 vs 63.19 ± 11.13), had strong psychological resilience (37.40 ± 8.57 vs 35.39 ± 7.73), and had a more positive self-identity (104.12 ± 21.10 vs 95.35 ± 16.67); differences between subgroups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Sexual minority stigma, perceived stigma, and enacted stigma were significantly associated with social support and resilience. The association between sexual minority stigma and sexual minority identity was significantly mediated by social support (indirect effect [95% CI] = − 3.307 [− 4.782, − 1.907]). Resilience significantly mediated the same association for identity (− 2.544 [− 4.052, − 1.114]). The chained relationship from sexual minority stigma to social support, resilience, and identity was also significant, with an indirect effect of − 0.404 [− 0.621, − 0.249]. Conclusion Among YMSMs in China, sexual minority stigma affects sexual minority identity through social support and resilience. Given the psychological effects of stigma, social support and resilience must be considered to better promote positive self-identity and mental health among YMSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumin Tan
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ping Cen
- Nanning Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, Guangxi, China.,School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ting Fang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xing Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiawen Zhu
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haimei Huang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Wang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jieling Mo
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Chuanyi Ning
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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18
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Lee JI, Chang YP, Tsai CS, Yen CF. Internalized Sexual Stigma among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in Taiwan: Its Related Factors and Association with Mental Health Problems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042427. [PMID: 35206614 PMCID: PMC8872568 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Internalized sexual stigma (ISS) is one of the major issues that can compromise the health of sexual minority populations. This quantitative study aimed to examine: (1) the relationships of individual factors (gender, age, education level, sexual orientation, and age of identification of sexual orientation) and perceived family support with ISS; and (2) the associations of ISS with mood problems and the moderating effects of gender on the associations among Taiwanese young adult lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. In total, 500 male and 500 female young adult LGB individuals aged between 20 and 30 years participated in this study. The experience of ISS, individual (e.g., gender, age, education level, sexual orientation, and age of identification of sexual orientation) and environmental factors (perceived family), mood problems (e.g., anxiety and depression) were collected. The individual and environmental factors related to ISS and the associations of ISS with mood problems were examined using multivariate linear regression analysis. The results indicated that gender, sexual orientation, age of identification of sexual orientation, and perceived family support were significantly associated with all or some dimensions of ISS in LGB individuals. Various dimensions of ISS had different relationships with anxiety and depression. Gender had moderating effects on the association between the identity dimension of ISS and sexual orientation as well as between the social discomfort dimension of ISS and anxiety. Various dimensions of ISS among LGB individuals should be routinely assessed by mental health service units. Intervention programs should be provided for LGB individuals, especially those with factors related to ISS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-In Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;
| | - Ching-Shu Tsai
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-S.T.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-7-7317-123 (ext. 8751) (C.-S.T.); +886-7-3124-941 (C.-F.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- College of Professional Studies, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-S.T.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-7-7317-123 (ext. 8751) (C.-S.T.); +886-7-3124-941 (C.-F.Y.)
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19
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MacLean JR, Wetherall K. The Association between HIV-Stigma and Depressive Symptoms among People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review of Studies Conducted in South Africa. J Affect Disord 2021; 287:125-137. [PMID: 33780828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are at increased risk of stigma and mental illness, and this appears to be a particular issue in South Africa, which is home to 19% of the world's HIV-positive population. This paper aims to systematically review the literature investigating the relationship between HIV-stigma and depressive symptoms among PLWHA in South Africa. METHODS A keyword search of four bibliographic databases (CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and two grey literature websites was conducted. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using established criteria. RESULTS Fourteen quantitative studies were included in the review. PLWHA in South Africa experience high levels of HIV-stigma and depressive symptoms. All forms of stigma were found to be associated with depressive symptoms amongst PLWHA. Prospective findings were mixed, with one study finding that stigma did not predict depressive symptoms over 36 months, and another that depressive symptoms predicted stigma 12 months later, suggesting a potentially bidirectional relationship. Females and young adults may be particularly vulnerable to HIV-stigma and its negative psychological effects. Some support was found for the moderating role of social support in the relationship between stigma and depressive symptoms across different sub-populations. LIMITATIONS Few studies conducted prospective analyses or tested mediation/moderation. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations, this study highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying HIV-stigma across different sub-populations in South Africa. This may lead to more effective and context-specific interventions to combat adverse mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack R MacLean
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0XH, UK
| | - Karen Wetherall
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, 1055 Great Western Road, University of Glasgow, G12 0XH, UK.
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