286950
HIV-related shame and quality of life in a sample of persons living with HIV/AIDS over 50 years of age
Method. A multisite sample of 299, predominantly male, racially and ethnically diverse PLWHA over 50 involved in a randomized clinical trial completed study measures. Structural equation modeling determined whether HIV-related shame was (1) directly associated with five dimensions of HRQoL (physical, emotional, functional and global, and social, and cognitive well-being); and (2) indirectly associated with HRQoL via loneliness and depression. Direct and indirect associations were tested for moderation across levels of race, ethnicity, gender, age at diagnosis, and HIV-related discrimination.
Results. The final model of direct and indirect associations via loneliness and depression of HIV-related shame with five dimensions of HRQoL adequately fit the data based on fit indices that were relatively robust to sample size, χ2 (499, N=299)=1046.684, p<.000, SRMR=.06, TLI=.93, RMSEA=.06 (95% CI: .055-.066). Few moderation effects were detected.
Conclusions. Across diverse, HIV-positive older adults, HIV-related shame may be directly associated with adverse HRQoL and may play a role in the links between depression, loneliness, and poor HRQoL. Given the modifiability of affective states such as shame, psychosocial interventions for older PLWHA should target HIV-related shame in addition to depression and loneliness.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related researchSocial and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe how HIV-related shame may be linked to health-related quality of life among older, HIV-positive adults. Compare groups among older adults to identify potential disparities in how HIV-related shame is associated with health-related quality of life.
Keyword(s): HIV/AIDS, Mental Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a predoctoral fellow at Yale University School of Medicine with interests in HIV/AIDS and stigma as they affect marginalized populations. These interests are reflected in my past and current work, which includes applied community work with persons living with HIV/AIDS and helping to develop, conduct, and publish on federally and intramurally funded research projects.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.