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A Model of Associative Stigma on Depression and Anxiety Among Children of HIV-Infected Parents in China

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Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carries a high level of stigma to the HIV-infected individuals and their family members. Children of HIV-infected parents in China are particularly affected. The present study examined the relationship between associative stigma, self-esteem, optimism, anxiety and depression among 195 children of HIV-infected parents in rural China. Findings showed that more than one-third (35.4 %) of the participants scored higher than cut-off for depression; and 23.6–67.7 % of them scored higher than cut-off for different types of anxiety disorders. Structural equation modelling revealed that associative stigma had a significant negative relationship on self-esteem and optimism, which were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. The indirect effects of associative stigma on depression and anxiety were significant. The overall model showed a satisfactory fit. Findings suggest that associative stigma has a significant negative impact on mental health of children affected by HIV. Interventions to reduce their associative stigma are warranted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health Behaviours Research, School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 5/F., School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

    Phoenix K. H. Mo & Joseph T. F. Lau

  2. The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China

    Phoenix K. H. Mo & Joseph T. F. Lau

  3. Centre for Medical Anthropology and Behavioral Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China

    Joseph T. F. Lau

  4. Department of Applied Social Studies, The City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

    Xiaonan Yu

  5. Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China

    Jing Gu

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  1. Phoenix K. H. Mo
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Mo, P.K.H., Lau, J.T.F., Yu, X. et al. A Model of Associative Stigma on Depression and Anxiety Among Children of HIV-Infected Parents in China. AIDS Behav 19, 50–59 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0809-9

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