ItemArticle

HIV-related stigma as a mediator between perceived social support and reasons for non-disclosure of self-HIV status among children and adolescents living with HIV

Title
HIV-related stigma as a mediator between perceived social support and reasons for non-disclosure of self-HIV status among children and adolescents living with HIV
Creator
Singh, Varsha; Lata, Swaran
Description
Children and adolescents living with HIV face complex decisions about disclosing their HIV status, influenced by social, emotional and contextual factors, including perceived support and experiences of stigma. This study examined the relationship between perceived social support, HIV-related stigma and motivations for non-disclosure, and assessed whether stigma mediates the link between social support and non-disclosure among young people living with HIV. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 participants aged 1018 years receiving antiretroviral therapy at a tertiary hospital in northern India. Participants completed standardized measures of perceived social support, HIV-related stigma and non-disclosure motivations. Higher social support was associated with lower stigma, and greater stigma predicted stronger non-disclosure motivation. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of social support on non-disclosure through stigma, indicating partial mediation. Findings underscore the central role of stigma in disclosure decision-making. Interventions that enhance supportive relationships and reduce stigmatizing attitudes in families, schools and healthcare settings may promote healthier coping and developmentally appropriate disclosure. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Source
AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV;
Date
01-01-2026
Publisher
Routledge
Subject
children and adolescents living with HIV, Mediation Analysis, SD3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities); HIV related stigma; perceived social support; reasons for non-disclosure of self HIV status
Coverage
Singh V., Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Christ(Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India; Lata S., Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 9540121; CODEN: AIDCE
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Singh, Varsha; Lata, Swaran, “HIV-related stigma as a mediator between perceived social support and reasons for non-disclosure of self-HIV status among children and adolescents living with HIV,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 17, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22674.

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