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Submission information
Submission Number: 162
Submission ID: 1128
Submission UUID: 69f2399e-7534-4d07-a400-a14e661a71ac
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Mon, 06/09/2025 - 13:20
Completed: Mon, 06/09/2025 - 13:22
Changed: Fri, 08/01/2025 - 17:40
Remote IP address: 196.252.27.99
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Mr.
Luthuli
Muziwandile
North-west university
Muziwandile Luthuli is a Lecturer in Social Work at North-West University (NWU) and a Ph.D. student in Social Work at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He holds a professional Bachelor’s degree (BSW) and Master’s degree by research both from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Mr. Luthuli is strongly dedicated to academia and research, with interests and contributions spanning across the subdomains of public health social work, such as psychosocial dimensions of HIV/AIDS, treatment adherence, substance use disorders, dual contraception, and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young adults.
Yes
Prof.
John-Langba
Johannes
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Professor Johannes John‑Langba, Ph.D., MPH, MSW, is a Full Professor of Social Work and Director of the College of Humanities Doctoral Academy at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN), Durban He holds a Ph.D. and MPH from the University of Pittsburgh and previously earned an MSW from Howard University He serves as Regional Vice‑President – Africa for the World Federation for Mental Health and Vice‑President and Mental‑Health Ambassador for Cape Mental Health. His research focuses on mental‑health, gender‑based violence, migration, HIV/AIDS, and COVID‑19 in African contexts.
No
Abstract
The Role of Age as a Moderator in the Relationship Between HIV–Related Stigma, Family Support, and Depression Among People Living with HIV in Durban, South Africa
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.2 Research and practice strategies pertaining to health, mental health and wellbeing including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Oral Presentation
Depression remains a significant mental health challenge among people living with HIV (PLHIV), with HIV–related stigma and family support being stablished as influential psychosocial factors. Although these relationships are well documented, there is limited research on the role that age may play in this mechanism. This study investigated the associations between HIV–related stigma, perceived family support, and depression, and the potential moderating role of age. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 201 PLHIV receiving care at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to test the study hypotheses.
Results revealed a positive association between HIV–related stigma and depression (r = .424, p < .001), and a negative association between family support and depression (r = –.159, p = .024). Age significantly moderated both relationships. Specifically, HIV–related stigma had a stronger impact on depression among younger adults (β = .503, p < .001) compared to older adults (β = .263, p < .001). In contrast, family support was more protective against depression in younger adults (β = –.3535, p = .001), while the effect was not significant among older adults (β = –.048, p = .473).
These findings highlight the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions by age group. For younger PLHIV, programs that reduce stigma and strengthen family support may be especially effective in alleviating depressive symptoms. Mental health services in HIV care should consider age-sensitive strategies that address stigma and family dynamics as part of holistic care. Future research should explore longitudinal pathways and culturally relevant support systems to deepen our understanding of these complex interactions.
Results revealed a positive association between HIV–related stigma and depression (r = .424, p < .001), and a negative association between family support and depression (r = –.159, p = .024). Age significantly moderated both relationships. Specifically, HIV–related stigma had a stronger impact on depression among younger adults (β = .503, p < .001) compared to older adults (β = .263, p < .001). In contrast, family support was more protective against depression in younger adults (β = –.3535, p = .001), while the effect was not significant among older adults (β = –.048, p = .473).
These findings highlight the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions by age group. For younger PLHIV, programs that reduce stigma and strengthen family support may be especially effective in alleviating depressive symptoms. Mental health services in HIV care should consider age-sensitive strategies that address stigma and family dynamics as part of holistic care. Future research should explore longitudinal pathways and culturally relevant support systems to deepen our understanding of these complex interactions.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Emmi
Muleya
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Dr
Samkelo
Bala
{Empty}
Empirical Research
Accepted