Unraveling the Latent Profile and Transition of HIV-Related Stigma Among PLWH in China: Roles of Psychological Capital, Psychological Distress, and Social Support
摘要
Based on the HIV stigma framework model and the modified socioecological framework, the study aimed to investigate the profiles of HIV-related stigma and the predictors of profile transition among PLWH in the context of China’s Regulation about “caring and anti-discrimination for PLWH”. The study utilized data from 1,198 PLWH (61.35% males; Mage = 41.03, SD = 9.19) who participated in a longitudinal socio-epidemiological research in Guangxi, China. Three waves of survey data were included in the analysis: T1 (May 2019, before the issue of Regulation), T2 (May 2020, half a year after the issue of Regulation), and T3 (November 2020, a year after the issue of Regulation). Latent transition analysis, a longitudinal and personal-center approach revealed that: (1) there were three distinct latent profiles among the participants: high HIV-stigma group (with higher anticipated and internalized HIV stigma), median HIV-stigma group, and lower HIV-stigma group (with lower internalized HIV stigma); (2) for individual level factors, female PLWH, PLWH with higher psychological distress, and PLWH with lower psychological capital tended to remain in or transition to high or median HIV-stigma group; and (3) for social level factors, tangible and informational supports (vs. affectionate support) were helpful for PLWH in low HIV-stigma group and were counterproductive for PLWH in high or median HIV-stigma group, and vice versa. These findings highlight the heterogeneity and transition of HIV-related stigma and guide tailored interventions to address HIV-related stigma among PLWH.