Divinity and Distress: The Impact of Religion and Spirituality on the Mental Health of HIV-Positive Adults in Tanzania

This study examined the relationship between religiosity, spirituality and mental health in the context of a stress–coping
framework. Participants were 135 rural, low-income HIV-positive adults in Iringa, Tanzania. The relationships between religiosity,
spirituality, coping responses, social support, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) were examined
using structural equation modeling. Religiosity was related to decreased avoidant coping and increased social support, which
in turn were related to psychological distress. Spirituality was positively related to active coping and social support. Results
suggest that coping strategies and social support may mediate the relationship between religiosity and spirituality and psychological
distress. Interventions to reduce psychological distress among HIV-positive individuals in Tanzania might incorporate strategies
to reduce avoidant coping and increase social support. According to the present findings, this may be accomplished through
faith-based approaches that incorporate religious and spiritual activities into HIV prevention programs.