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. 2015;14(1):67-73.
doi: 10.2989/16085906.2015.1016987.

HIV-related stigma: implications for symptoms of anxiety and depression among Malawian women

Charles Kamen  1 , Jill Arganbright, Eliza Kienitz, Melissa Weller, Anna Khaylis, Tammy Shenkman, Sarah Smith, Cheryl Koopman, Cheryl Gore-Felton
Affiliations

HIV-related stigma: implications for symptoms of anxiety and depression among Malawian women

Charles Kamen et al. Afr J AIDS Res. 2015.

Abstract

An estimated 11% of the adult population in Malawi, Africa, is living with HIV/AIDS. The disease has taken a toll on communities, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Malawian women carry the burden of being caretakers for individuals infected with HIV while also worrying about their own health. However, little is known about how HIV/ AIDS affects psychological functioning among Malawian women in areas hit hardest by the epidemic. To that end, this paper examined the influence of HIV-related stigma on symptoms of anxiety and depression among 59 women 17-46 years old who were recruited from the Namitete area of Malawi. Women who reported greater worry about being infected with HIV and greater HIV-related stigma were significantly more likely to report greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. These findings suggest that interventions that reduce HIV-related stigma are likely to enhance psychological functioning among Malawian women, which in turn will improve the women's quality of life and well-being.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; Malawi; gender; mental health; women.

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