Burden of HIV-related stigma and associated factors among women living with depression accessing PMTCT services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Anna Agape Minja, Elysia Larson, Zenaice Aloyce, Ricardo Araya, Anna Kaale, Sylvia F. Kaaya, Janeth Kamala, Muhummed Nadeem Kasmani, Amina Komba, Angelina Mwimba, Fileuka Ngakongwa, Hellen Siril, Mary C. Smith Fawzi, Magreat Somba, Christopher R. Sudfeld, Caleb J. Figge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1572-1579
Number of pages8
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume34
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • AIDS
  • HIV
  • Tanzania
  • global mental health
  • pregnancy
  • stigma
  • sub-Saharan Africa

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Social Psychology

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