Associations between HIV-related stigma, self-esteem, social support, and depressive symptoms in Namibia

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Authors
Kalomo, Eveline N.
Advisors
Issue Date
2018-12-02
Type
Article
Keywords
HIV-related stigma , Depression , Self-esteem , Namibia , PLWHA
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Eveline Ndii Kalomo. 2018. Associations between HIV-related stigma, self-esteem, social support, and depressive symptoms in Namibia. Aging & Mental Health, vol. 22:no. 12:pp 1570-1576
Abstract

Objective: The current study sought to investigate the association between HIV-related stigma, self-esteem, social support, and depression of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Namibia. Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit a total of 124 men and women living with HIV/AIDS in the Katima Mulilo region of northern Namibia. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect information on demographics, self-esteem, social support, HIV-related stigma, and depression. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that HIV-related stigma, self-esteem, and social support were all significantly correlated with depression. Further, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis indicated that HIV-related stigma was the largest risk factor and self-esteem was the largest protective factor with respect to depressive symptoms. Discussion: Findings indicated the necessity of appropriate assessment and intervention for psychosocial distress among PLWHA. Helping professionals should design evidence-based interventions that address individual and societal challenges that impact people living with HIV and AIDS.

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Publisher
Routledge Journals
Journal
Book Title
Series
Aging & Mental Health;v.22:no.12
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1360-7863
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