Perceived Discrimination and Symptoms of Cognitive Dysfuntion among Middle-Age and Older Persons Living with HIV in China: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of the Mediating Role of Mental Health Symptoms and Social Isolation

Shuyu Han, Yan Hu, Lina Wang, Yaolin Pei, Zheng Zhu, Xiang Qi, Bei Wu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Perceived discrimination is associated with symptoms of cognitive dysfunction (SOCD) among middle-age and older persons living with HIV (PLWH). We aimed to explore how the association between perceived discrimination and SOCD was mediated by mental health symptoms and social isolation. The sample included 321 PLWH, ages 45 years and older, for a multicenter cross-sectional study. Structural equation modeling showed an acceptable model fit and a significant total indirect effect between perceived discrimination and SOCD. All three indirect effect pathways were significant, suggesting that perceived discrimination could influence SOCD through mental health symptoms, through social isolation, or through mental health symptoms and then social isolation. Our study demonstrates that perceived discrimination is a concern for the management of cognitive function among middle-age and older PLWH. Both mental health symptoms and social isolation are critical elements in the design and evaluation of interventions for promoting cognitive health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)442-452
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • HIV
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • discrimination
  • social isolation
  • symptoms of cognitive dysfunction
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Cognition
  • Mental Health
  • HIV Infections/diagnosis
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aged
  • Social Isolation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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