Abstract
Investigation on the mental health of HIV-positive immigrants is severely limited. We examine the independent and combined
effects of HIV symptom and coping resources on depressive symptoms among HIV-positive immigrants (n = 259). Ordinary Least Squares regression models were estimated with data from a survey of clinical and social-psychological
outcomes in people receiving treatment for HIV infection. We tested for the impact of two HIV-related stressors, one life
events stressor and three buffering resources on depressive symptoms, controlling for thirteen demographic, clinical and acculturative
factors. HIV-related stressors were found to be positively related to depressive symptom severity. Coping resources, namely
self-mastery, mediate the relationships between HIV-related stressors and depressive symptoms. Results from this study provide
the first empirical assessment of stress processes for immigrants living with HIV. Although more research is needed to understand
mental health among HIV-positive immigrants, the study results suggest that health care providers focus on self-mastery enhancement
among HIV-positive immigrants.
effects of HIV symptom and coping resources on depressive symptoms among HIV-positive immigrants (n = 259). Ordinary Least Squares regression models were estimated with data from a survey of clinical and social-psychological
outcomes in people receiving treatment for HIV infection. We tested for the impact of two HIV-related stressors, one life
events stressor and three buffering resources on depressive symptoms, controlling for thirteen demographic, clinical and acculturative
factors. HIV-related stressors were found to be positively related to depressive symptom severity. Coping resources, namely
self-mastery, mediate the relationships between HIV-related stressors and depressive symptoms. Results from this study provide
the first empirical assessment of stress processes for immigrants living with HIV. Although more research is needed to understand
mental health among HIV-positive immigrants, the study results suggest that health care providers focus on self-mastery enhancement
among HIV-positive immigrants.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9515-0
- Authors
- Marianne S. Noh, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Social Equity and Health Research, Toronto, Canada
- Sergio Rueda, Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Population Health, Toronto, Canada
- Tsegaye Bekele, Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, Canada
- Haile Fenta, Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, Canada
- Sandra Gardner, Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, Canada
- Hayley Hamilton, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Social Equity and Health Research, Toronto, Canada
- Trevor A. Hart, Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Alan Li, Regent Park Community Health Centre, Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment, Toronto, Canada
- Samuel Noh, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Social Equity and Health Research, Toronto, Canada
- Sean B. Rourke, Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Toronto, Canada
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912