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HIV

Internalized HIV Stigma Impacts Viral Suppression: Research Reveals Key Pathways

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Wright State University have conducted a comprehensive study to examine the effects of internalized HIV stigma on viral non-suppression among patients in HIV care in the US. The longitudinal observational clinical cohort sample included 9,574 individuals, with 81.1% being male and 41.4% being Black, non-Hispanic. The study found that internalized HIV stigma indirectly impacts viral non-suppression through its effects on depressive symptoms, illicit drug use, and medication adherence. Additionally, an interaction was observed between internalized HIV stigma and social support on alcohol use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from the CFAR Network for Integrated Clinical Systems (2016-2019) to examine the effects of internalized HIV stigma on viral non-suppression.
  • The research identified internalized HIV stigma as a significant predictor of viral non-suppression, particularly through its effects on depressive symptoms, illicit drug use, and medication adherence.
  • Social support was found to moderate the impact of internalized HIV stigma on alcohol use, suggesting that supportive relationships may help mitigate the negative effects of stigma.
  • The study highlighted the importance of understanding the pathways through which internalized stigma impacts viral suppression in order to improve health outcomes for people with HIV.
  • The research emphasized the need for more research to fully understand the complex relationships between internalized HIV stigma, social support, and viral non-suppression.
  • The study's findings have implications for the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing internalized HIV stigma and improving health outcomes among people with HIV.

Statistics:

  • 9,574 individuals were included in the study sample.
  • 81.1% of the sample were male.
  • 41.4% of the sample were Black, non-Hispanic.
  • The model demonstrated good fit (root mean square error of approximation = 0.028; standardized root means square residual = 0.067).
  • The overall indirect effect of internalized HIV stigma on viral non-suppression was significant (b = 0.058; se = 0.020; b = 0.048; 95%CI = .019-.098).
  • An interaction was observed between internalized HIV stigma and social support on alcohol use (p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Wright State University Researcher Provides New Insights into HIV/AIDS (Internalized HIV stigma and viral suppression: examining the mediating and moderating roles of substance use and social support). AIDS Weekly. September 16, 2024; p 149.
  • AIDS (2024). "Internalized HIV stigma and viral suppression: examining the mediating and moderating roles of substance use and social support." Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).

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